USDA PROPOSES PROCESSING RULES FOR IMPORTED MILK PRODUCTS

USDA PROPOSES PROCESSING RULES FOR IMPORTED MILK PRODUCTS    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed processing requirements for milk and milk-related imports from regions infected with foot-and-mouth disease.
   The agency is also considering regulations for these imports to be accompanied by government certification of processing.
   FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting cattle, sheep and hogs. The disease is found in two-thirds of the world and is considered widespread in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. The disease last appeared in the United States in 1929.
   In the past few years, the United States has imposed prohibitions and restrictions on meat and milk products from South America, the European Union and Taiwan.
   APHIS will accept comments from the industry about its proposed regulations through April 21. For more information, contact Dr. Karen James-Preston, assistant director of APHIS’ National Center for Import and Export, at (301) 734-8172.