Minister Ritz Statement On USDA Decision To Lift Heightened Inspection Of Canadian Meat Exports

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 30 Nov 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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The Government of Canada is pleased that the United States Department of Agriculture is returning to standard testing levels for Canadian beef, pork and poultry products. Thanks to the cooperation between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and USDA officials, our American counterparts have confirmed that special testing measures are no longer necessary.

Last week, while attending the biennial meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy, I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Acting Agriculture Secretary Charles Conner. This provided us an opportunity to discuss ongoing trade issues including the commitment to normalize testing regimes for Canadian meat imports. It's encouraging to see that our working relationship continues to be founded on science-based assessments and that this has resulted in a quick resolution of the situation.

Canadians and consumers around the world have a great deal of confidence in the safety and quality of the Canadian food supply. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting and strengthening our world-class food safety system as global markets continue to evolve.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency