Daily News Update, Jan. 18, 2008

Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns: USDA assumes role to lead next steps in cloning for food supply issue

Pending the release of their Final Risk Assessment, FDA had a voluntary moratorium on meat and milk products from animal clones and their progeny from the food supply. Following the Jan. 15 release of the final risk assessment, USDA is assuming a key role in guiding industry through this transition while maintaining the temporary ban on clones from the food supply.

"Now that FDA has evaluated the scientific data and public comments and issued its final risk assessment, USDA will join with technology providers, producers, processors, retailers and domestic and international customers to facilitate the marketing of meat and milk from clones," said Bruce Knight, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

"We'll be working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and seamless transition into the marketplace for these products," Knight said. "Further, USDA has encouraged technology providers to maintain their voluntary moratorium on sending milk and meat from animal clones into the food supply during this transition time."

USDA said it will also implement the report language in the 2008 omnibus appropriations bill calling for a study of domestic agricultural and international trade economic implications of commercialization of milk and meat from animal clones.

In the meantime, industry groups are implementing a livestock cloning supply chain management program that will establish protocols for registering animal clones. USDA has proposed partnering with industry on possible verification of its supply chain management plan to ensure that trading partners are aware of whether or not they receive cloned or non-cloned products.