National Cattlemen Beef Association leaders are expressing concern an audit report released by USDA over Brazil’s meat inspection system came out after the comment period closed on a proposed import rule. The rule is to allow more importation of Brazilian beef into the U.S.. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall says there are more safety concerns with Brazil’s beef and inspection process than just foot and mouth disease.
Woodall says this new information along with the foot and mouth concerns are enough that the proposed rule should be scrapped.
He says having the audit report come out late is alarming and worrisome and a little too convenient for those who want the import rule relaxed.
Woodall says NCBA is more concerned than ever that Brazil isn’t capable of holding its industry to the same standards of the U.S. cattle industry. Therefore the proposed rule should be withdrawn.