Canada Beef Welcomes XL Foods Inc. Plant Relicensing

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada Beef Inc. is extremely pleased the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reinstated the operating license of Establishment 38, the XL Foods Inc. processing plant at Brooks, Alberta.

"The re-licensing of this plant is significant for our industry," says Rob Meijer, President of Canada Beef Inc. "It is an important step along the path to regaining domestic and export market opportunities for products from this plant.  Having a sufficient number of beef processors is vital to ensure we can produce high quality Canadian beef here in Canada and market to our domestic and international customers."

Last week, XL Foods Inc. reached an agreement with JBS USA to assume the management of the beef harvesting and processing operations at Brooks, Alberta.  JBS USA, is a leading animal protein processor in the United States and Australia and a wholly owned subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A. - the world's largest protein company.  The XL Foods Inc. plant has historically produced approximately 35 per cent of Canada's beef.

"JBS operates in a world context, says Meijer. "They have strong expertise to make the plant truly viable. That in turn will help bring stability to the cattle market, maximize opportunities for our beef cattle producers, and ensure Canadians and our customers around the world can continue to enjoy a safe, delicious and nutritious product.  Canadian beef cattle producers appreciate and are thankful for the strong support of Canadian consumers and our customers around the world."

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.

SOURCE: Canada Beef Inc.

Rob Meijer
President
Canada Beef Inc.
[phone]
www.canadabeef.ca

Ron Glaser
VP, Corporate Affairs and Operations
Canada Beef Inc.
[phone]
www.canadabeef.ca