Canadian beef returning to sender

EDMONTON (May 27, 2003) — A massive backflow of Canadian beef is expected to be returned to Canada in coming weeks because of the on-going mad cow scare.

As much as $24 million worth of unwanted beef, originally destined for the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia before last week’s discovery of a cow that contained mad cow disease, is on its way back to Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed all meat coming back into Canada must be evaluated before it is cleared to enter the country. It’s expected, however, only about 20 per cent of the beef will be usable by the time it reaches Canada.

Although officials haven’t found any other cases of the disease, the ban on Canadian exports continues to cripple the Canadian beef and livestock industry. The embargoes are costing the Alberta industry an estimated $6.3-million a day.

Inspectors have already placed 17 cattle herds under quarantine in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan in an attempt to trace the disease. Industry officials have said that the sector will face a great challenge in restoring consumer confidence at home and internationally should investigators fail to identify the animal’s origin or the source of its contamination.

In the meantime, some slaughter houses, auctions, and meat packers have shut their doors, and carriers hauling beef or livestock destined for the U.S. have parked their trucks.

— with files from CP