Canada Beef Supports Efforts to Further Strengthen Food Safety Systems

CALGARY, June 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada Beef Inc. is supportive of the efforts of the Canadian Government and the beef industry to further strengthen Canada's food safety systems.  The release today of the Independent Review Panel's report on the XL Foods beef recall tabled by Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Gerry Ritz in the House of Commons aligns with the Canadian beef industry's desire to provide beef products of the highest quality and safety possible.

"Canada Beef welcomes and supports the Government's efforts to make Canada's food safety system even stronger as we work to maximize marketing opportunities for Canadian Beef both domestically and around the world," says Canada Beef Inc. Chairman Chuck MacLean.  "Our consumers and customers can be assured that Canadian beef continues to be a safe and wholesome choice."

"Canadian cattle producers have historically benefited from having an effective, internationally-recognized food safety system.  That system has been further strengthened through lessons learned and improvements made in response to the XL Foods recall," added MacLean.

The Canadian beef industry continues to work to address E.coli 0157:H7and other food safety concerns by supporting key research activities throughout the production chain that can reduce or prevent food safety risks.  The industry has also worked to have irradiation approved as an additional beef food safety intervention available to consumers who choose it.

Canada Beef Inc. is also an active partner with other food commodities to promote and encourage safe food handling practices with consumers through its participation on the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education and directly through its marketing programs.  Despite the impact of the XL Foods recall, per capita beef consumption in Canada rose by 1.1% in 2012 compared to 2011 and total beef consumption in Canada was up 2.2% in 2012 versus 2011 according to Statistics Canada.

Canada Beef Inc. is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has offices in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea. Canada Beef Inc. works to increase awareness of the Canadian beef brand and build strong relationships with trade customers and partners.  These efforts increase demand for Canadian beef and value producers receive for their cattle.

SOURCE: Canada Beef Inc.

Chuck MacLean
Chairman, Canada Beef Inc.
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Rob Meijer
President, Canada Beef Inc.
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Ron Glaser
VP, Corporate Affairs and Operations, Canada Beef Inc.
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