Washington, DC -- The
American Meat Institute (AMI) Board of
Directors has approved a new, voluntary
certification initiative in which cattle
marketers would be asked by their beef packing
customers to certify that their livestock met
all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
requirements regarding the BSE feed ban.
AMI has distributed a model certificate
to its member companies, describing it as a
"best business practice." The document also
certifies that animal drugs were used legally
on the livestock being sold.
The model
certificate "responds to requests from many of
our industry's customers," said AMI President
and CEO J. Patrick Boyle. "We want to reassure
both our customers and consumers that the
cattle we process into beef products meet all
federal requirements, including their diets and
medications." Boyle said the model certificate
was developed in consultation with numerous
meat and livestock organizations.
Concurrently, the animal feed industry
and the rendering industry are working to
launch their own certification programs. The
groups are working with independent, private
sector organizations to audit manufacturing
facilities to ensure that they meet FDA
requirements related to BSE prevention. For
the feed industry, those requirements include
the segregation of cattle and sheep byproducts
from other livestock and poultry byproducts.
For the rendering industry, proper labeling and
documentation are required.
"These
private sector certification initiatives for
cattle, feed and rendered products do not
replace FDA's own inspection programs," Boyle
commented. "However, they do add an extra
level of surveillance and assurance to our
customers and consumers that the industries
involved in cattle ranching and beef processing
are in compliance with FDA regulations and
continue to make every effort to reinforce the
U.S. firewalls that have kept BSE out of this
country."
The text of the AMI model
certificate reads:
The undersigned
certifies that, to the best of his/her/its
knowledge, none of the livestock described
herein are adulterated within the meaning of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (i.e.,
none of the cattle or other ruminants have been
fed any feed containing protein derived from
mammalian tissues not in compliance with 21 CFR
589.2000 and none of the livestock have an
illegal level of drug residues.)
AMI
represents the interests of packers and
processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey
products and their suppliers throughout North
American. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the
Institute provides legislative regulatory and
public relations services, conducts scientific
and economic research, offers marketing and
technical assistance and sponsors education
programs.
MEAT PACKERS REQUEST CERTIFICATES TO ENSURE BSE-FREE LIVESTOCK
Friday, March 16, 2001
For more information contact:
Janet Riley Vice President, Public Affairs 703-841-2400 jriley@meatinstitute.org |
Josee Daoust Manager, Public Affairs 703-841-2400 jdaoust@meatinstitute.org |

