Increased Risk Of BSE Exposure

"Inconclusive science that this beef is actually safe and that less than adequate biosecurity measures being undertaken by Government Officials make this decision by Agriculture Minister Tony Burke, Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Trade Minister Simon Crean very premature."

Mr Bellinger said: "While these Ministers have stated that the Industry wants it, it is important to explain who in government terms the Industry actually is. This is a loose term to describe the Red Meat Advisory Council and Meat and Livestock Australia, bodies that are financed in the main by compulsory government levies on our livestock sales.

"A vast majority of grass root producers that includes the Australian Beef Associations' members are vehemently opposed to the importation of beef from BSE affected countries. No independent (i.e. not government sponsored) producers, or producer representative associations, were consulted on the importation of beef from BSE affected countries; it was done behind closed doors and were sworn to secrecy until the announcement.

"While the sellout of Australian farmers to placate 'Free Trade Agreements' is nothing new, - what is new is that 3 high level Rudd Government Ministers have purposely increased the risk of exposure to 22 million Australians to the deadly BSE Prion.

"If even one death occurs from Cruetzfeldt - Jakob Disease (CJD) in Australia from eating beef imported from BSE affected countries, the Government would be responsible," Mr Bellinger said.

TheMeatSite News Desk

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