Japanese ban on California poultry affects Kadena Commissary Published March 6, 2009 By Walter T. Ham IV 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- A recent Japanese government ban on California poultry has had a limited impact on selection at the base commissary, a Kadena commissary official said. "We have seen some effect in the availability of whole chickens," said Kalani Patsel, Kadena Commissary store administrator. The California poultry ban began on Nov. 13, 2008, and was lifted Feb. 10. "According to the USDA, Japan suspended imports of poultry because a low-pathogenic H5 avian influenza was detected in California," said Nancy O'Nell, public affairs officer for Defense Commissary Association West. "All poultry and poultry products originating or transiting through California were affected by the government of Japan poultry ban," said O'Nell. "This included whole poultry and poultry parts, luncheon meats and products that have poultry as an ingredient, such as frozen dinners." She added that the Japanese Government restrictions affected not only poultry products from California but also banned products that transited through California. The DeCA spokesperson said the Defense Commissary Agency took extra measures to work around the restrictions and keep the Kadena Commissary stocked with poultry. "When Japan banned poultry produced in California, DeCA increased orders from manufacturers located in states not affected by GoJ bans," said O'Nell. "DeCA's distributors also had to reroute products so they did not pass through California on the way to Japan." DeCA's central distribution center on Okinawa also helped to keep the shelves stocked during the ban, she said. "With the ban now over, customers will see progressive improvements beginning in early April," said O'Nell. "Commissaries sell products at cost, plus a 5 percent surcharge, saving shoppers 30 percent or more on purchases. The poultry ban will not affect the savings shoppers enjoy in their commissary."