USDA LIFTS TEMPORARY SUSPENSION ON BRAZILIAN BEEF IMPORTS

USDA LIFTS TEMPORARY SUSPENSION ON BRAZILIAN BEEF IMPORTS    The U.S. Department of Agriculture Friday said it is lifing the temporary hold on imports of processed beef and associated products from Brazil.
   The USDA decision follows a site visit to Brazil by animal health officials who determined that Brazil has taken sound measures to prevent bovine spongiform encephalopathy risk. The suspension was to ensure the safety of U.S. livestock.
   While the agency has lifted the suspension on imports, Brazilian beef products must meet three conditions to enter the United States:
   * Shipments must be certified as containing beef products from cattle that were born and raised in Brazil and not form any imported sources of beef.
   * The beef must come from cattle born after Brazil enacted its 1996 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban.
   * Shipments must have a statement accompanying them that certify that the cattle used in the products were exclusively grass-fed and not fed any animal proteins.