WASHINGTON – India is unfairly restricting imports of US poultry, and the US could take action at the World Trade Organization, said US Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

Kirk said India is closing its markets to US poultry based on false food safety claims.

“Our American poultry is safe," he said. "There is no reason for them to deny us access. We are extraordinarily frustrated with India’s continued non-application of internationally recognized scientific standards,” he added.

Kirk's remarks came during a hearing before the House Committee on Ways and Means. He said the US is getting tougher on trade enforcement via the Trade Enforcement Center, which was established by executive order to "prioritize and more aggressively challenge the kinds of unfair trade practices we fight fiercely everyday,” he said.