BSE                                     ...

BSE                                                                                                

Third Inconclusive Result Announced

The USDA announced an inconclusive test result for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a U.S. animal. This is the third inconclusive results since the new surveillance program began on June 1. Both of the earlier results ultimately proved not to be cases of BSE. “Inconclusive results are a normal component of screening tests, which are designed to be extremely sensitive so they will detect any sample that could possibly be positive,” Andrea Morgan Associate Deputy Administrator Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said in a statement today.

After the inconclusive result, tissue samples are sent to the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories — the national BSE reference lab — which will run confirmatory testing. Definitive results are expected in four to seven days.

China                                                                                            

Inner Packaging Regulation Comes Into Force December 1

As of December 1, 2004, all red meat exports destined for China must comply with the inner packaging regulation.  The inner label must be either printed on or adhered to the vacuum bag or poly liner, and it must contain the product name in both Chinese and English.  This regulation applies to all product departing the U.S. on and after December 1. USMEF understands that the bill-of-lading date must be used, not the production date.

BSE                                                                                                

Third Inconclusive Result Announced

The USDA announced an inconclusive test result for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a U.S. animal. This is the third inconclusive results since the new surveillance program began on June 1. Both of the earlier results ultimately proved not to be cases of BSE. “Inconclusive results are a normal component of screening tests, which are designed to be extremely sensitive so they will detect any sample that could possibly be positive,” Andrea Morgan Associate Deputy Administrator Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said in a statement today.

After the inconclusive result, tissue samples are sent to the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories — the national BSE reference lab — which will run confirmatory testing. Definitive results are expected in four to seven days.

China                                                                                            

Inner Packaging Regulation Comes Into Force December 1

As of December 1, 2004, all red meat exports destined for China must comply with the inner packaging regulation.  The inner label must be either printed on or adhered to the vacuum bag or poly liner, and it must contain the product name in both Chinese and English.  This regulation applies to all product departing the U.S. on and after December 1. USMEF understands that the bill-of-lading date must be used, not the production date.