Health officials said that the meat and organs from the cow did not enter the food chain, and the meat processing facility where the animal was found will be properly cleaned.

This discovery comes as Japan is negotiating terms with the United States to reopen the borders to beef trade.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Sept. 22, 2004

California counties consider biotech ban
Four California counties will have their voters choose the fate of biotech crops Nov. 2. The elections will determine whether biotech plants and animals will be allowed within their borders. Trinity and Mendocino counties in the state have already passed similar legislation.

However, of the counties involved—Butte, Marin, San Luis Obispo and Humboldt—only the latter will criminalize biotech agriculture. Anti-biotech activists fear that cross-pollination between biotech and conventional crops could ruin organic crops. Activists in Hawaii are petitioning for similar legislation and parts of Vermont already have implemented biotech restrictions.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Sept. 29, 2004

Canada steps up BSE testing
The Canadian government has announced steps to accelerate its sampling strategy for testing cattle for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

A new financial reimbursement fund of $4.1 million is expected to encourage testing of more animals in the Canadian government's target surveillance group. This includes cattle 30 months of age or older that are dead, dying, diseased, or unable to walk, in addition to cattle of any age that show neurological symptoms.

Canada plans to test 8,000 cattle for BSE in 2004 and up to 30,000 annually in succeeding years.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Sept. 20, 2004

Fresh Brazilian beef imports possible
Fresh Brazilian beef could be cleared for shipment into the United States in a year or less.

The Agriculture Department has completed a risk analysis on a 15-state region of Brazil that is considered free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

FMD does not pose a threat to human health, but an outbreak in the United States could cause "extensive economic losses," according to a USDA report. USDA said the most significant direct economic effects to livestock owners would come from the necessity to depopulate any infected herds. Meat, milk, and other products from infected animals would not be allowed into the food chain.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Sept. 30, 2004

Coalition's goal is ag education
A new coalition of eight agricultural groups, including American Farm Bureau Federation, will educate consumers about today's farmers and U.S. farm policy.

The new public information effort will convey the message that today's farmers need existing federal policy to continue to provide affordable food and fiber for consumers.

The coalition, called "Home Grown," will conduct a wide range of activities in the next few months in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Sept. 20, 2004

USDA delays labeling law for seafood
The Agriculture Department has delayed until April regulations requiring fresh and frozen fish to carry labels specifying their origin.

Trade groups and food companies had complained that processors would have to dispose of stocks of fish if they could not sell them before the requirement took effect. According to USDA, the delay will let the industry sell its existing product.

Under the rule, supermarkets and larger retailers will be responsible for the mandatory labeling, but smaller retailers will not have to comply. The rule also exempts processed fish, such as canned tuna, breaded fish sticks and smoked fish.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Oct. 1, 2004

Fast food joints sell more milk
Recent reports say that milk sales at fast food restaurants have increased dramatically in the past few months.

Wendy's International, Inc. saw a 15-fold increase in milk sales since July. More than a million units are being sold weekly, up from only 65,000. McDonald's Corp. has seen a doubling of milk sales since May.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch; Sept. 22, 2004