Lawmaker Aims to Block Fresh Beef Imports From Paraguay
Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, announced Feb. 21 that he has introduced legislation to prohibit "dangerous" fresh beef imports from Paraguay.
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Jackson said Paraguay’s beef herds have a “long history” of foot and mouth disease, which is “highly contagious” and could infect domestic herds if it enters the U.S. His resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act would overturn USDA’s recent decision to begin allowing imports of fresh Paraguayan beef (see 2311130024). The resolution, which has 19 co-sponsors, was referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
USDA said in November 2023 that its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service “conducted a risk analysis and concluded that fresh beef can be imported safely from Paraguay under certain conditions.” Jackson, however, asserted that APHIS used “outdated” risk assessments that were based on decade-old data.
USDA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Jackson’s resolution.