June 10, 2010

 

 

The US National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has called for animal identification legislation to be brought into force swiftly.

 

About 90% of US producers are committed to an animal ID programme, NPPC Board member Bob Dykhuis said.

 

However, if the agricultural appropriations bill is not passed, the funding of around US$5 million will be passed forward to another year, and there will simply be a maintenance programme on animal ID instead of moving it forward, he said.

 

A provision that would include traceability requirements from slaughter to the final package could involve huge added costs, he added.

 

As for the ID system, the NPPC is currently working with the USDA on a surveillance system, Dykhuis said, adding that the industry is trying to work on long-term strategies funded by different sources to ensure safe food for the nation.