DeLauro Statement on USDA Decision to Allow Import of Fresh Beef from Parts of Argentina and Brazil

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s decision to allow the importation of fresh beef from Northern Argentina and 14 Brazilian states. DeLauro is a former Chairwoman, and current member, of the subcommittee responsible for funding USDA.

“I am greatly disappointed that USDA is moving forward to allow beef imports from parts of Brazil and Argentina. America has not had a case of food and mouth disease (FMD) since 1929 because of our strict ban against the importation of live animals or meat from countries that have experienced this virulent animal disease, as Brazil and Argentina have previously.

“The Government Accountability Office has been asked to study the risk of contamination from Argentina and Brazil, but that work has not yet been completed. While these rules involve an animal health issue, both countries have a checkered food safety past. Recent audits show that there are deficiencies in both of their inspection systems.

“This is a clear example where trade is trumping the safety of our food supply.”


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