NCBA URGES GLICKMAN TO REVIEW SOUTH KOREA E. COLI CASE

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct.1, 1997 -- National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Max Deets, Beloit, Kan. this week urged USDA Secretary Glickman to review the process used by the South Korean government to announce concerns about E. coli 0157:H7 in a shipment of U.S. beef. The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service currently is working to meet with the South Korean government to verify the test results.

   "Announcement of these concerns by press release rather than through the normal diplomatic channels is outside the standards of common courtesy and normal relations between long-time trading partners," Deets said in a letter to Glickman.

   The South Korean government notified the media without verification of the test results and before notifying the U.S. government.

   "There are concerns throughout the U.S. beef industry that South Korea has managed this issue to maximize negative perceptions about U.S. beef among Korean consumers, in an effort to reduce demand and, ultimately, to slow imports of U.S. beef," Deets said.

   The product has not been distributed in the market and was in storage when the South Korean government made the announcement.

   Deets urged Secretary Glickman to:

• verify that sampling and testing techniques used in this case were approved and science based and that the announced test results are, in fact, valid,
• require documentation to show that beef produced in Korea and beef imported from other countries is being subjected to the same stringent testing requirements as U.S. beef,
• closely evaluate whether South Korea is using this issue as a means to reduce demand for U.S. beef and to slow trade, reassure Korean consumers that approved processing methods and inspection systems are in place in U.S. packing plants, including the plant of origin for the recent shipment,
• secure a commitment that the upcoming tender for U.S. beef by Korea will not be canceled or delayed and that Korea will fulfill all commitments under existing trade agreements, and
• express grave disappointment and concern with the manner in which this issue was publicly announced prior to communication through customary diplomatic channels.