NCBA criticizes timing of FSIS Brazil report
May 06, 2014 | 11:59 PM
The Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service today released a report on its audit of Brazil’s food inspection system, which was conducted because Brazil wants to export meat to the United States.
But the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said today that the report should have been released before the April 22 closure of the comment period on the proposed importation of Brazilian beef.
“NCBA is extremely disappointed this final audit report was not released in time for a full review, prior to the comment deadline on the proposed rule,” said Bob McCan, NCBA president and a cattleman from Victoria, Texas.
“In early March, NCBA formally requested through a Freedom of Information Act request, all pertinent documents, including a final 2013 FSIS audit report for Brazil,” McCan said. “This report was available prior to the comment deadline, but the failure by FSIS to provide it, shows a complete lack of preparation of the documents the U.S. cattle industry would need in order to make informed and meaningful comments.”
“This audit report confirms many of the compliance concerns that NCBA recently expressed in our comments on behalf of our members,” said Dr. Kathy Simmons, NCBA chief veterinarian.
“Our members have significant concerns with Brazil’s ability and willingness to meet established compliance requirements. Most alarming to me is the inconsistent application and implementation of Specified Risk Material requirements throughout the system and a history of unresolved drug residue violations.”
USDA did not comment on NCBA’s reaction.
▪ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service — Brazil: Final Audit Report
But the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said today that the report should have been released before the April 22 closure of the comment period on the proposed importation of Brazilian beef.
“NCBA is extremely disappointed this final audit report was not released in time for a full review, prior to the comment deadline on the proposed rule,” said Bob McCan, NCBA president and a cattleman from Victoria, Texas.
“In early March, NCBA formally requested through a Freedom of Information Act request, all pertinent documents, including a final 2013 FSIS audit report for Brazil,” McCan said. “This report was available prior to the comment deadline, but the failure by FSIS to provide it, shows a complete lack of preparation of the documents the U.S. cattle industry would need in order to make informed and meaningful comments.”
“This audit report confirms many of the compliance concerns that NCBA recently expressed in our comments on behalf of our members,” said Dr. Kathy Simmons, NCBA chief veterinarian.
“Our members have significant concerns with Brazil’s ability and willingness to meet established compliance requirements. Most alarming to me is the inconsistent application and implementation of Specified Risk Material requirements throughout the system and a history of unresolved drug residue violations.”
USDA did not comment on NCBA’s reaction.
▪ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service — Brazil: Final Audit Report
