Chinese operatives caught smuggling a deadly fungus that could destroy America’s food supply have prompted USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to launch an unprecedented national food security initiative while also restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungus considered a potential agroterrorism weapon, into the United States
- The USDA plans to launch a comprehensive food security initiative, which includes ending a partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has halted all gain-of-function research to prevent laboratory-induced biological threats
- Secretary Rollins has approved waivers for three additional states to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used for soda and candy purchases
- The smuggled fungus could potentially devastate American agriculture and cause significant economic harm to farmers and the food supply
Chinese Nationals Arrested in Bioterrorism Plot Targeting US Agriculture
Federal authorities have arrested two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a fungus that could devastate American crops, into the United States. FBI Director Kash Patel described the incident as a direct threat to national security. The fungus, capable of destroying wheat, barley, and corn crops, has been identified as a potential agroterrorism weapon that could severely damage the American agricultural sector and food supply chain. Evidence suggests Jian received funding from the Chinese government and has direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
“This case is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate our institutions and target our food supply, an act that could cripple our economy and endanger American lives. Smuggling a known agroterrorism agent into the U.S. is not just a violation of law, it’s a direct threat to national security. I commend the FBI Detroit Division and our partners at CBP for stopping this biological threat before it could do real damage,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
USDA Launches Comprehensive Food Security Initiative
In response to this alarming threat, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a comprehensive initiative to strengthen American food security. The plan includes a thorough review of USDA operations, enhanced collaboration with the agricultural community, and the termination of a partnership between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a USDA research facility in Georgia. This decisive action reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting America’s vital food resources from foreign interference and potential sabotage.
“If we don’t have food security in this country we will not have national security,” said Brooke Rollins.
The investigation revealed that Liu admitted to smuggling the pathogen into the United States for unauthorized research purposes at the University of Michigan. Federal authorities are continuing their investigation and considering felony indictments. The charges against the Chinese nationals include conspiracy, smuggling biological materials, making false statements, and visa fraud. This case is part of broader U.S. efforts to address foreign influence and security threats at American universities and research institutions.
HHS Secretary Kennedy Ends Gain-of-Function Research
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken concurrent action by permanently halting all gain-of-function studies, which were already under a national moratorium. This type of research involves enhancing the capabilities of pathogens to better understand them, but has come under intense scrutiny due to its potential to create more dangerous organisms. The decision represents a significant policy shift aimed at preventing laboratory-created biological threats from endangering American citizens and agricultural resources.
“We’ve put an end to all gain-of-function studies. It should have never been done, and it won’t be done again,” stated Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
SNAP Program Reforms Target Unhealthy Food Choices
In a parallel effort to improve America’s food security and public health, Secretary Rollins has approved waivers for three additional states to prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing soda and candy. This brings the total number of states with such restrictions to six. The $119 billion SNAP program has an estimated $27 billion spent on junk food, raising concerns about taxpayer dollars funding non-nutritious products that contribute to obesity and related health problems.
“Secretary Rollins told me, ‘Yeah they came to my office.’ I asked her, “What did you tell them?’ She said ‘We’re paying for nutrition, and there’s no nutrition in your product,'” revealed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., describing Secretary Rollins’ interaction with soda industry representatives.
This policy change is supported by research, including a 2014 study suggesting that banning SNAP subsidies for sugary drinks could significantly reduce obesity rates among program participants. The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting healthier food choices while ensuring taxpayer funds are used responsibly. By implementing these changes, the USDA aims to improve the nutritional quality of food purchases made through SNAP while maintaining support for those in need.
