U.S. to begin new cattle traceability system

Food & Drink Weekly, May 2, 2005

U.S. to begin new cattle traceability system: The United States is set to introduce a standardizednumbering system for all cattle for more accurate traceability in an attempt to ensure safety and regain consumer confidence in U.S. beef as part of a plan to help Japan resume U.S. beef imports, according to Valerie Ragan, assistant deputy administrator for veterinary service at USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The Bureau of National Affairs reports that the new of traceability system would number every cow and provide identifying locations where it was raised and give other information. Ragan told a news conference the United States will introduce the system gradually over the coming few years.