Commissioner Sid Miller Responds to Recall of Argentine Beef Over USDA Inspection Failure

AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today responded to the recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of raw beef imported from Argentina after the product entered U.S. commerce without receiving the required federal import reinspection. Commissioner Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining strong inspection standards for imported meat and ensuring that American consumers can have confidence in the safety and integrity of the nation’s beef supply.

The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Sid Miller:

“Nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef made it into American commerce without receiving the required federal import reinspection. That is unacceptable.

It's good that USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service caught this failure, but American consumers should never have to wonder whether foreign meat slipped through the cracks. Texas cattle producers meet rigorous standards and produce the best beef on God's green earth, but compete against foreign imports that too often enter our market without giving consumers the full story. That's not a level playing field.

USDA needs to take a hard look at how this beef got past required inspection and make damn sure it doesn't happen again.

My message to Texans is simple: Buy American. Buy Texas. Know where your beef comes from.”