USDA chief delays Canadian beef import rule

USDA chief delays Canadian beef import rule    U.S. Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns said he would delay the implementation of a rule that would restore the import of Canadian beef until after more testing is done.
   On Dec. 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published a final rule that establishes criteria for geographic regions to be recognized as presenting “minimal risk” for introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or “mad cow” disease, to the United States.
   The rule placed Canada in the minimal risk category, and scheduled the reopening of trade with Canada for March 7. However, Canada has confirmed other cases of cattle infected with BSE in recent months.
   “Our ongoing investigations into the recent finds of BSE in Canada in animals over 30 months are not complete,” Johanns said in a statement Wednesday. “Therefore, I feel it is prudent to delay the effective date for allowing imports of meat from animals 30 months and over.”
   The USDA has been criticized by some American cattle and meat packing associations over the portion of the minimal-risk rule that would reopen the Canadian border for beef from animals 30 months and over, while keeping it to closed to imports of older live cattle for processing in the United States.
   'Canada does not meet the definition of a minimal-risk country, based on international guidelines, and this is why 33 countries still ban Canadian beef,” said Bill Bullard, president of R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America, in a recent statement. “It's not clear why USDA should force U.S. consumers to be exposed to risks that other countries protect their citizens from.'
   While BSE investigations continue with Canada, Johanns said the USDA will move ahead with consideration and development of a plan to allow imports of animals 30 months and older for slaughter as well as beef from over 30-month animals as “the next step in resuming full trade with Canada.”