On December 10, more than a dozen Republican members of Congress sent a letter to President Donald Trump addressing concerns about U.S. dependence on China for vitamins and amino acids used in human and animal food.
The letter follows a November report from the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) that detailed U.S. reliance on China for vitamins and amino acids used in animal feed, pet food, human food and pharmaceuticals. The report showed that 78% of US vitamin imports come directly from China on average, with some vitamins like biotin sourced entirely from China. The report also analyzed potential impacts on animal health, welfare and production if supply disruptions occurred.
"The AFIA has been sounding the alarm to U.S. policymakers for years that China's growing and dominant influence in the vitamin and amino acid supply chain poses a food security and national security risk for America," said AFIA president and CEO Constance Cullman. "Working with several champions in Congress -- Republican Representatives Ashley Hinson (Iowa-2) and Brad Finstad (Minn.-1) -- and now their Republican colleagues, we believe we have the momentum needed to proactively address this issue. We know the Trump administration is committed to investigating the situation further and look forward to working with the president on next steps."
The letter outlined why vitamins are necessary for animal food production and their impact on food availability and affordability. It also addressed potential threats to vulnerable American populations, including infant nutrition.
The group proposed solutions including increased federal investment in domestic vitamin manufacturing, a national security focus on vitamin production and a comprehensive review of ingredient supply chain vulnerabilities.
The 14 additional signatories are Republican Representatives Don Bacon, Neb.-2; Mike Bost, Ill.-12; Julie Fedorchak, N.D.-at large; Michelle Fischbach, Minn.-7; Dusty Johnson, S.D.-at large; John Joyce, Pa.-13; Darin LaHood, Ill.-16; Tracy Mann, Kan.-1; Mark Messmer, Ind.-8; Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Iowa-1; David Rouzer, N.C.-7; Derek Schmidt, Kan.-2; Austin Scott, Ga.-8; and Pete Stauber, Minn.-8.
"The AFIA appreciates the support from these members as they highlight the important role food security has in the security of our nation," Cullman added.
To read the full letter, visit: finstad.house.gov.
