USDA Issues Clarification Regarding "Boneless Bovine Meat" from Canada
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a letter to clarify its definition of "boneless bovine meat" with respect to "diaphragm meat" and "hanging tenders" to make clear that these cuts are eligible for import from Canada when accompanied by a valid permit.
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Boneless Bovine Meat Includes Diaphragm Meat and Hanging Tenders
According to USDA sources, although USDA's policy has been to allow imports of diaphragm meat and hanging tenders from Canada as boneless bovine meat, there has been confusion on this point.
As a result, the USDA is clarifying that meat from the diaphragm (i.e., from the beef plate, e.g. beef skirt steak, hanging tender) is considered boneless bovine meat and may be imported from Canada when accompanied by a valid permit for boneless beef.
Valid Permit Required for Importation of Boneless Bovine Meat from Canada
According to the USDA, effective immediately, boneless bovine meat of Canadian origin as described in its letter is eligible for importation provided the shipment is accompanied by a valid import permit (VS Form 16-6: U.S. Veterinary Permit for Importation and Transportation of Controlled Materials and Organisms and Vectors) authorizing the importation of boneless beef, boneless bison, or boneless buffalo, and the required original certification as specified in the restriction and precautions on the permit.
USDA notes that any of the eligible products listed above currently detained at the border are eligible for entry if all the requirements listed above are met.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 09/05/03 news, 03090505, for BP summary of CBP's import permit policy for certain ruminant products from Canada, effective September 1, 2003. See ITT's Online Archives or 05/13/04 news, 04051315, for BP summary of USDA's listed of ruminant-derived products for which import permits will be issued)
VS Form 16-3 (Application for permit) available at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie
List of low risk ruminant products eligible for import from Canada (republished 05/06/04) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/bse/BSE_CAN_l.pdf
USDA Clarification Letter (dated 08/19/04) available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/bse/Importer_letter_8-19-04.pdf