FAO urges stronger safety measures to protect global meat trade

FAO urges stronger safety measures to protect global meat trade    The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization wants countries to strengthen their meat health and safety programs to prevent the spread of livestock diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
   In addition to increased surveillance and testing of cattle, the FAO recommends banning the use of meat and bone-meal livestock feed and reduce the mix of brain, spinal cord and parts of intestines in meat products.
   The FAO criticized those countries with weak meat safety programs.
   “In many countries, BSE controls are still not sufficient and many countries are not applying the recommended measures properly,” the organization said in a statement. “There is also a considerable risk of further reducing infectious materials, given the global trade in animal feed and animal products.”
   On Dec. 23, the United States announced the discovery of a single case of BSE, a brain wasting disease also known as “mad cow,” which can be passed to humans through consumption of infected meat.
   The United States tests more cattle for BSE than any other country in the world. In 2003, the United States tested at slaughter about 20,000 cattle, more than recommended by the Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health, and has increased safety measures since the BSE announcement.
   The FAO said it is providing countries with “good practices” training for meat inspectors, laboratory staff, and others involved in the meat and feed industries.