Statement of the Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro

Statement of the Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro

Announcement that Japan Has Banned Shipments of American Beef

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on the announcement that Japan has banned shipments of American beef.

"I am disappointed that our country has breached the trade agreement with Japan and that in turn, the Japanese have responded with what seems to be a knee-jerk reaction that draws into question the quality of American beef. This rush decision will have dangerous implications for the U.S. cattle industry. Food safety is a serious concern that USDA should be focused on daily, not only when trade agreements are called into question.

"Ensuring food safety is paramount to guaranteeing consumer confidence. We must be more diligent in ensuring staff and resources for beef inspections are adequately funded - not only to allow our foreign trade partners a level of confidence in the products that we are shipping, but to ensure the American public is confidant in these products as well.

"I look forward to working with industry, USDA and other stakeholders to move more quickly to implement safeguards like a national animal ID system and more thorough inspections. A national animal tracking system would comprehensively trace suspected beef products back to their source swiftly after concerns are raised and more thorough inspections would give consumers here and abroad the additional confidence they need in this industry. Without this system in place, our nation's cattle industry and food safety will remain at a disadvantage to countries that are more focused on this effort."

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/January/japan_beef_1_20_06.html