USDA Nears Decision on Brazilian Beef Imports

U.S. consumer health organizations are already seeking to prevent the government's upcoming decision on allowing Brazilian beef imports, Valor Economico reports. Brazilian beef products will pose a serious risk of foot-and-mouth disease in the United States and will increase E. coli outbreaks, they claim.

"Brazil can very well pressure the U.S. livestock industry through its ability to export huge volumes of beef to the United States," said Bill Bullard, chief executive of R-Calf, in an interview with Us Inside Trade.

For over six years, the United States has been studying whether or not to permit Brazilian beef imports and has recently agreed to share its final findings for public comment. A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decision on Brazilian beef could be released as early as September.

At a recent meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian ambassador at the World Trade Organization, Roberto Azevedo, said the processing time was "excessive and unreasonable."

USDA needs additional time to study the impact of Brazilian beef imports, officials claim.

In October, a bilateral meeting will be held in Brazil where U.S. officials will share the final decision on Brazilian beef imports.

Reprinted in part from meatingplace.com