USDA to allow imports of Paraguayan beef

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a final rule on Nov. 13 that allows the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay. The rule officially goes into effect 30 days after publication. APHIS conducted a risk analysis and ultimately decided that fresh beef can be imported safely from Paraguay under certain conditions. These conditions include verifying that: The USDA says these measures are consistent with the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, which governs international animal product trade. Fresh (chilled or frozen) deboned beef will be eligible for import into the U.S. An APHIS statement said the agency expects imports of fewer than 6,500 metric tons of beef annually, in part due to a quota Paraguay faces on beef exports to the U.S. During the public comment period earlier in 2023, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) expressed strong opposition to allowing Paraguayan beef ...