Grassley Asks USDA to Rethink BSE Testing Policy
WASHINGTON --- Sen. Chuck Grassley has written to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns asking him to rethink the Department’s position on not allowing beef processors to test all cattle slaughtered at their own plants. The processors would pay for the costs associated with this.
“As the Secretary said this morning, our current procedures for BSE testing are completely adequate. But, I don’t see a reason why processors who want to go above and beyond at their own expense shouldn’t be allowed to do so,” Grassley said.
Here’s a copy of Grassley’s letter. An audio file of Grassley’s intentions to send the letter can be found on his website, http://grassley.senate.gov and then clicking “news” and then radio actualities. The date for the comment was Tuesday, April 25.
April 26, 2006
The Honorable Mike Johanns
Secretary of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-0001
Dear Secretary Johanns
I am requesting that USDA revise the rules and regulations pertaining to testing for BSE in cattle slaughtered in the United States.
I heard from Iowa producers last week at my town meetings on the Department of Agriculture's current rules on BSE testing. Many Iowans are concerned about the Department's policy on this matter.
Some people in the industry believe that testing all of the cattle they slaughter would give them a marketing edge in foreign market. I agree with this position and think beef processors should be able to test if they want to. What we're talking about here is letting the industry go above and beyond the 100 percent standard the Department has already set. These packers simply want to test at 110 percent.
I want to make clear that I don't see this testing by processors as necessary. I'm fully convinced that we have the fire walls in place to ensure the safety of U.S. beef, regardless of whether it's destined for domestic or foreign consumers. But U.S. beef processors should be able to inspect all the cattle they want to, if they want to. Our standards are and should continue to be based on sound science, not political science.
If any U.S. processor wants to inspect all the beef they produce, they should be able to. And if a company or customer wants to pay for the added measure then they should be allowed to do so.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
Chuck Grassley