Australia approves the importation of U.S. beef

"The Review of U.S. Beef Imports has undergone a rigorous scientific and risk-based evaluation over the past decade," Australian Agriculture Minister Julie Collins declared to Australian media. "The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is satisfied that the enhanced control measures implemented by the U.S. effectively manage biosecurity risks." Australia had already allowed certain U.S. beef into its market since 2019. However, some beef products were banned due to concerns about outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Previously, Australia examined beef from Canada or Mexico and subsequently slaughtered in the United States. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) valued the policy change and explained its stance on the benefits for its U.S. members. "For 20 years, U.S. beef was denied access to Australia, while Australia exported $29 billion in beef to U.S. consumers," declared Buck Wehrbein, NCBA president. "The lack of a science-based ...