MEAT BILL IN U.S. SENATE

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32406, 19 September 1970, Page 2

MEAT BILL IN U.S. SENATE

/N.Z.P. A. -Reuter —Copprfphtl WASHINGTON, September 18. The United States Senate yesterday received legislation designed to lay down strict health regulations for meat and dairy products imported into the United States. Mainly affected would be Australia and New Zealand, the primary exporters of these products to the United States. The bill, approved by the Senate Finance Committee, directed the Agricultural Department to set up detailed health and sanitation inspection systems for all livestock products imported into the United States, said Senator

George Aiken, the topranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee and a co-sponsor of the bill. “This includes butter, cheese, non-fat dry milk, and all dairy products, as well as meats,” he said in a statement The Vermont Republican said that at present several countries producing dairy products did not meet United States health standards. “These uninspected products can come on to our markets and compete unfairly with domestic dairy products,” he said. “This bill is intended to stop this kind of unfair commerce.” / There was no immediate indication when the legislation would go to a Senate vote. Similar legislation is pending before the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee.