USDA Eases Imports from Canada

August 11, 2006 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed on Wednesday to allow imports of Canadian nonruminant products processed at plants that also handle ruminant products.

USDA now requires that Canadian meat products derived from nonruminant poultry and pigs come from facilities separate from those processing ruminant animals such as cattle.

The department said because products derived from nonruminant animals pose a small risk of getting bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from contaminated products, it was 'inconsistent' to have them processed in a separate facility.

The changes as published in the Federal Register also would allow bovines, sheep and goats imported from Canada to be identified by ways other than ear tags, provided USDA has approved the manner of identification for the type of animal intended for importation.

Lastly, the new measure would expand imports to include gelatin derived from bovine hides in addition to bones, which are currently allowed.

Comments received on or before Oct. 10 will be given consideration.

The Federal Register can be viewed at: www.a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-12944.htm.

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