The beef industry is committed to producing the safest possible product and c...
The beef industry is committed to producing the safest possible product and condemns the use of illegal drugs in livestock. To that end, the beef industry, from livestock producer through packer and processor strongly supports the federal laws that mandate that livestock with any drug residues not be permitted to enter the beef supply. We support all required withdrawal periods and aggressive U.S. Department of Agriculture monitoring programs that validate safe practices.
There is no incentive for any beef producer to use DES. DES was banned from use in food producing animals in the U.S. in 1979. USDA continued to test for the drug for more than a decade following the ban. Finding no instances of illegal use, the government ceased testing in 1991 in order to concentrate its resources in other areas that warranted closer scrutiny. We agree with the USDA that the Swiss finding is an aberration.
An industry working group comprised of representatives of the livestock and meat industry, and with assistance from the regulatory authorities, including FDA and USDA, has met during the past months for the purpose of re-enforcing the total industry's commitment to ensure that livestock entering the food supply be free of unlawful residues, and to ensure that appropriate action is taken against violators.
The U.S. industry is committed to safety and quality, and supports the independent investigations currently being conducted by USDA and FDA. The industry will continue to work closely with our government to get more information about the Swiss findings and to hold responsible persons accountable under the law if the investigation identifies unlawful use.
Contacts:
American Meat Institute
Janet Riley 703-841-2400
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Julie Quick 202-347-0228
National Meat Association
Jeremy Russell 510-763-1533
Animal Health Institute
Carole Throssell 202-662-4130
U.S. Meat Export Federation
Thad Lively 303-623-6328