Minister Ritz Statement On Usda Decision To Inspect Canadian Meat Exports

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 12 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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I have every confidence in the strength and quality of Canada's food safety, and I have strongly stated our Government's disappointment with United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to temporarily hold and test Canadian beef, pork, and poultry exports to the U.S. We believe that the scope of these measures is not justified nor do they reflect established protocols.

The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining and strengthening Canada's world-class food safety system to ensure that Canadians and our trading partners can purchase our food products with total confidence. Protecting and promoting the health and safety of Canadians is of paramount importance for this Government, and we highlighted our strong and continued commitment to deliver action on food and product safety in our recent Speech from the Throne.

The Government of Canada is taking an active role in resolving this issue as quickly as possible to minimize any disruption to the Canadian beef, poultry and pork industries. Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials and I are working closely with our American counterparts toward the normalization of cross-border trade.

The Government of Canada is delivering results to maintain and enhance Canada's world-class food safety system and make sure it meets the new challenges of a global marketplace.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca