News In Brief:
– Concerns arise over the safety of Paraguayan beef imports to the US due to potential foot-and-mouth disease transmission.
– USDA faces scrutiny over its approval process as bipartisan support in Congress grows to block Paraguay’s beef access, highlighting concerns over the integrity of the US cattle industry.
The recent decision by the United States Senate to block beef imports from Paraguay has ignited debates over the safety of Paraguayan beef. With a bipartisan majority of 70-25, the Senate passed a resolution in response to the USDA’s approval of Paraguayan beef imports, citing concerns over potential health risks to the U.S. cattle herd.
Local farmers and ranchers in the US are closely monitoring the situation. Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Governmental Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), highlighted the potential risks, during a sit-down with a media outlet.
While Paraguay primarily exports lean trimmings used for ground beef, the fear stems from the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease, a concern not only for competition but also for the health of the US cattle herd.
NCBA has also decried Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. The body argue that any beef imports from Paraguay should undergo increased scrutiny to mitigate risks to the US cattle industry. Despite assurances from the USDA regarding safety measures, questions linger about the reliability of past audits and the adequacy of Paraguay’s mitigation efforts.
USDA’s approval process for Paraguay beef
The approval process for Paraguay’s beef imports has been under scrutiny. While Paraguay underwent audits by both the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), concerns have been raised about the adequacy and timeliness of these assessments. NCBA urges USDA to conduct new site visits and update risk analyses based on recent data to ensure the safety of American consumers and the integrity of the US supply chain.
The overwhelming support in the Senate to block Paraguayan beef imports indicates bipartisan concern over the issue. With similar sentiments expected in the House, pressure mounts on the Biden administration to address these concerns. The resolution underscores Congress’s willingness to prioritize the interests of cattle producers over diplomatic considerations.
