Egg-gate: Agriculture ordered to stop importing eggs from Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Lemanu and Talauega Administration has directed the Dept. of Agriculture (DoA) to “stop importation of eggs from Samoa until further notice.” 

This was confirmed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Loa Tauapa’i Laupola in an email to the media. 

“The Department of Agriculture has been directed to stop importation of eggs from Samoa until further notice and to follow our local laws as well as USDA (federal regulations),” said the Chief of Staff.

The move follows concerns raised by Senators and Faipule.

Senator Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono said in a Senate session on Feb. 3, just prior to its recess on Feb. 6, that such imported products have not received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and this is a serious concern to the Fono.

Without USDA approval, Soliai says concerns are raised pertaining to the health affect on children who consume such products that have no federal oversight.

The House Agriculture Committee earlier also raised the same concerns during a House hearing last month.

Acting Director of DoA Siauini Taala, testified before the House Agriculture Committee, confirming that egg imports from Samoa are now on hold, while they work on meeting the requirements of the USDA.

He also confirmed the concerns raised over the eggs imported last month — which were not over the quality of the eggs — but were about unmet requirements for commercial imports of poultry into the territory.

During the last Cabinet meeting, Lt Governor Talauega E. V. Ale warned Cabinet members to follow local and federal laws prior to implementing government projects and zeroed in on the recent egg saga where the local DoA staff allegedly was seen delivering eggs imported from Samoa to local restaurants, yet it has been confirmed that importation of meat and eggs is limited to personal use only, not commercial.

The Lt Governor led off with a Samoan proverb, “ia seu le manu ae silasila i le galu” (snare the bird and watch the breakers take appropriate actions).

Talauega was circumspect about the appearance that the current administration is neglecting laws, and told them they must proceed with caution.

“Do not forget we have laws in place. Do not neglect the fact that we must uphold the law and the public will follow suit. When the governor gives directives on projects it does not mean we should bypass laws.”

He gave an example:

“If the governor directs you to build a road, you must first get the permit, look for funding for this project, hire the contractor, only then you can proceed with the project.

“You all know the process that goes into play before any project is implemented; but the governor did not say go and violate our laws and by-pass the process in place,” said Talauega.

Furthermore the Lt Governor pointed out that the governor wants to develop the two governments, Samoa and American Samoa in terms of trade.

“And he did not say for you to uplift the eggs imported from Samoa and sell it; that is not what the governor requires.”