February 19, 2008

Singapore assures beef brand recalled in the US not sold in markets

Singapore's Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) said that the recent US beef recall will not affect consumers since Westland / Hallmark brands are not sold in the domestic market.

The AVA also pointed that very little American beef are imported by the country. Last year, Singapore bought total beef imports of 28,497 tonnes, out of which, only 349 tonnes came from the US.

Brazil is the major supplier of beef in Singapore at 14,530 tonnes, Australia provides 8,933 tonnes while New Zealand ships 4,585 tonnes.

The USDA issued the largest beef recall for 143 million pounds, from California-based Westland / Hallmark slaughterhouse, which was reported for animal abuse and non-compliance to health regulations.