THE USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) says all U.S. chicken imports into Ghana are duly inspected by both the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services and the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to ensure product safety for consumers.
In a release issued recently and signed by Zelda Sharp, Regional Director for Sub Saharan Africa, USAPEEC said U.S. poultry for export and local consumption is also approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) before it is shipped to Ghana.
The assurance comes in the wake of doubts being associated recently with the quality of imported poultry in Ghana.
USAPEEC indicated that “Fresh poultry may be stored in the refrigerator for one to two days and in the freezer for six to nine months; cooked poultry may remain in the refrigerator for three to four days and in the freezer for four months.”
It also stated that “U.S. chicken is naturally large and plump thanks to good breeding, proper nutrition, rigorous veterinary care and excellent living conditions.
“It is a good source of niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, important to the immune system and blood sugar level maintenance; while the biotin (vitamin B7) in it helps cell growth; and vitamin B12 works for nerve cell and red blood cell maintenance.”
It continued that chicken is high in protein and low in calories, rich in Vitamins A and E, and lower in fat and cholesterol than most other meats.
“Healthy diets require lighter, well-balanced meals that are low in fat, calories, cholesterol and salt. Chicken can fill all these needs.
“The US boasts of superior breeding stock, advanced feeding techniques and stringent controls which make U.S. chickens plump, tender and often exceptionally large, adding that U.S. poultry products were enjoyed in over 130 countries,” it noted.
Additionally, USAPEEC said dark and white chicken meat contained vitamin B12 and choline, which together might promote brain development in children, help the nervous system function properly and aid cognitive performance in older adults.