Quarterly Newsletter
Observations of interest to overseas agriculture producers selling in the U.S.
California bans production and sale of foie gras after 2012
On September 29, 2004, the State of California enacted a law prohibiting the practice of force-feeding ducks and geese to produce foie gras. The law specifically bans the common practice of force-feeding through a device inserted into the bird’s esophagus. Additionally, the law bans any practice that causes the bird to consume more food than that bird would consume voluntarily.
The law also bans the sale of foie gras produced by force-feeding birds.
The provisions of this law come into effect on July 1, 2012. The delay in the law is intended to allow producers the opportunity to modify their business practices.
FDA issues guidance regarding BSE-positive cattle
The FDA issued a guidance document to clarify that BSE-positive cattle are considered adulterated and are not permitted to be converted into any animal feed.
All mammalian proteins are prohibited in ruminant feed, with the following exceptions:
Blood and blood products Gelatin Milk products Pure porcine products Pure equine products APHIS initiates the creation of a nation-wide animal traceability program
On September 23, 2004, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced its intention to create an animal identification system that can identify individual animals or groups, the premises where they are located, and the date of entry to each premise. APHIS’ goal is to create a national system that, when fully implemented, will allow traces to be completed within 48 hours of detection of a disease, ensuring rapid containment of the disease.
Foreign producers can expect the US to erect trade barriers in the future against meat imports from countries where similar programs are not in place to protect the food supply.
USDA reminds U.S. meat industry of 1978 animal welfare law
On September 9, 2004, the USDA issued a reminder to the U.S. meat industry of a 26 year-old animal welfare law that has apparently been widely disregarded. The reminder was issued as a result of “considerable congressional and public interest (20,000 letters) about the humane treatment of animals” and an increase of noncompliance incidents.
The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978 requires that livestock be handled and slaughtered humanely. In particular, it requires that animals be slaughtered either using a ritual method, such as Kosher slaughter, or that the livestock be rendered insensible to pain by a “single blow or gunshot or an electrical, chemical, or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast or cut.” The USDA recommends that establishments conduct a systematic assessment to determine whether they are in compliance.
A few weeks later, the USDA awarded nine $275,000 grants to U.S. states to support the education of establishments on humane animal treatment. Expect more attention to animal welfare issues as NGOs and consumers ramp up their efforts.
U.S. initiates creation of Food Safety Institute of the Americas
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced its intention to pioneer efforts to create the Food Safety Institute of the Americas (FSIA). The FSIA will seek to harmonize, develop and distribute food safety and security information throughout the Americas. The FSIA will also promote the development of international food safety standards. It will establish working relationships among collaborating countries through regular interaction of academic researchers and educators, government regulators, and food safety professionals.
© 2004 JKG Marketing
