U.S. satisfied with meat inspection

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32971, 18 July 1972, Page 2

U.S. satisfied with meat inspection

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 17.

The United States was completely satisfied with New Zealand’s meat inspection system and did not expect any major problems or changes, Mr R. E. Anderson, agricultural attache at the American Embassy, said in a speech to the Raglan branch of Federated Farmers tonight.

“There is an awful lot of criticism and misunderstanding about United States meat inspection requirements,” said Mr Anderson.

“Let me put the record straight. The United States is completely satisfied with New Zealand’s meat inspection system. Some 35 expert works and processing plants are certified to export meat to the United States. We now have a United States Department of Agriculture veterinarian stationed at the American Embassy in Wel-

lington, and he makes periodic inspection trips throughout New Zealand. “He is satisfied with New Zealand’s meat inspection system, and we have stated so to the New Zealand Government on several occasions. "We do not foresee any major problems developing in this area. I think where most of the confusion and misinformation comes in is the lack of understanding of who is actually requiring what. Also, many of the problems are due to industrial relations and the seasonal nature of slaughter in New Zealand.” Mi/Anderson said that the inspection and hygiene changes that meat producers were hearing so much about, such as the overhead cover for holding pens at export works, separate slaughter facilities for suspect animals, paved cattle yards, different freezing requirements, the excising of certain lymph glands, and the replacement of wooden floors in treezers, were not United States requirements but those of the E.E.C., Canada, and other countries.

On the new United States dispositions for tuberculosis reactors, he said neither the E.E.C. >ior Britain had ever accepted meat from animals affected with this disease. The United States was metely requiring that the meat be passed for cooking. America did not have any restrictions on the import of pre-cooked and canned meats for which there was a ready market there. Mr Anderson also said that in addition to beef, there appeared to be a world-wide shortage of calves and feeder cattle, which was reflected in higher prices in both ex-

porting and importing countries. As far as America was concerned, it was a growing market which was undoubtedly to the New Zealand farmer’s benefit.

“In 1960 per capita consumption of beef and veal in the United States was 91 pounds,” said Mr Anderson. “Last year it was 117 pounds. By 1980 we will be eating about 130 pounds. This will require more beef production as well as larger beef imports.”