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Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959

USDA TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS BRAZILIAN BEEF IMPORTS INTO THE U.S.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2001--Following close consultations with Brazilian Government officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is temporarily suspending the import of processed beef and associated products from Brazil. This decision is a temporary action pending the release of requested data to complete a bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk assessment.

USDA is working with Brazilian agriculture officials to expeditiously complete a risk assessment regarding this matter. Once this data has been received and USDA is assured that Brazil has taken sound measures to prevent BSE, the suspension will be lifted.

There is no evidence of BSE in Brazil. USDA, along with appropriate federal health agencies, will continue to monitor and assess this situation and take any additional actions that may be necessary or appropriate.

USDA's BSE policy has been to be proactive and preventative. USDA has taken stringent measures in surveillance, prevention, education and response. Import restrictions in countries known to have BSE have been in place since 1989 and active surveillance efforts began in 1990.