November 5, 2007

US beef trading stops temporarily on E.coli issues

Trading of US beef virtually stopped this week, as both exporters and importers are waiting on the evaluation on the most recent Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding E.coli testing.

Industry players have voiced their concern to the US Department of Agriculture of the FSIS testing as it somehow reflects the prevalence of E. coli on US ground beef. 

The devaluation of US dollar worldwide has also impacted US beef trade, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Spot trade was slow as domestic prices remained under pressure. Consumer demand for beef has declined sharply in the US - not good tidings for the coming holiday season, says MLA.