November 12, 2007

Canada disappointed with USDA decision to test meat

The Canadian government is extremely disappointed with the US Agriculture Department's (USDA) ecision to temporarily hold and test Canadian beef, pork and poultry exports, according to a statement released by Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz Friday (November 9).

"I have every confidence in the strength and quality of Canada's food safety, and I have strongly stated our government's disappointment with the USDA," Ritz said. "The Canadian government believes that the scope of these measures is not justified nor do they reflect established protocols."

Ritz said the Canadian government 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 US counterparts toward the normalization of cross-border trade," he said.