Follow Ups | Post Followup | Back to Discussion Board | VegSource

From: TSS ()
Subject: Re: Japan to dispatch BSE inspectors to U.S., Canada meat processors
Date: November 2, 2005 at 8:33 am PST

In Reply to: Japan to dispatch BSE inspectors to U.S., Canada meat processors posted by TSS on November 1, 2005 at 7:08 am:

Age and Source Verification, Process Verified Programs,
and Quality System Assessments

USDA has established guidelines to quality cattle for Japanese export. To qualify, cattle must be part of a USDA-approved Quality System Assessment (QSA) program. While each program may have unique features, the basic elements will require the producer to identify animals, document birth dates and have a written management system.

Age & Source Verification QSA Programs Process Verified Programs

Age and Source Verification
As the Japanese export agreement becomes finalized, age verification is very likely to be a key issue. Likewise, Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) will become mandatory beginning September 2006. These two programs will both require a set of verification procedures for cattlemen to follow.

The Audit, Review, and Compliance Branch of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to use the same process for both programs, and thus producers can use the same relatively simple procedures to qualify for both programs. These procedures are also the foundations for other niche and branded programs. They are sound management practices that incorporate many things that producers may already be doing. Producers who are prepared for these systems may have a distinct marketing advantage.

New! Age Verification for Japan - August 13 Status Update

Import Health Requirements of Canada for Feeder Cattle Exported from the United States (July 2005)
Also: Restricted Feeder Cattle from the United States (Year-Round Importation)

Download our Fact Sheet That Explains Age and Source Verification

Download the Iowa Feedlot Management Description Form

Download the Iowa Cow-Calf Management Description Form

Download the Iowa Age & Source Verification Transfer Form

Age and Source Verification Forms Now Available Online (March 25 Press Release)

Have questions about Age & Source Verification?
--Email John Lawrence or Reg Clause

Quality System Assessment Programs
To qualify for export to Japan, beef must comply with the regulations of the Beef Export Verification Program (BEV) for Japan. Producers and processors of any cattle that will provide beef for the Japanese market must participate in a Quality System Assessment (QSA) program that has been pre-approved by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. That is, cattle must have been raised by feedlots, backgrounders, and cowherds, that are were under a QSA program. Records documenting age of the cattle and signed affidavits by the producer are needed, but are not enough information alone.

Cattle Producers Need a Quality System Assessment for Japan
An artilce from the Iowa Ag Review Newsletter, Summer 2005 Edition

Read an Article about Quality System Assessment Programs and How They Work

The USDA Quality System Assessment Program

Questions and Answers: Developing a Quality System Assessment (QSA) Program for Beef Export to Japan (from USDA-AMS, February 2005)

Process Verified
The USDA Process Verified Program provides suppliers of agricultural products or services the opportunity to assure customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services. This is accomplished by having their documented manufacturing or service delivery processes verified through independent, third party audits. USDA Process Verified suppliers are able to make marketing claims -- such as breed, feeding practices, or other raising and processing claims -- and market themselves as "USDA Process Verified." The USDA Process Verified Program does not relieve the supplier of meeting regulatory requirements issued by other Federal Departments or USDA Agencies.

The USDA Processed Verified Program

For More Information:

Go to Iowa Beef Center "Contact Us" page

http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/AgeAndSourceVerification.htm

TSS

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup