USA: Meat exports recover

The Federation of Meat Export US (USMEF) reported that beef exports have begun to recover somewhat in March after a hesitant start of the year. In the case of beef sales they totaled 86 774 t, 7% less than in March 2014, but 5% more than in February.

The value of sales in this category amounted to 527.3 million dollars, 2% more than in 2014. US exported in March 13% of the total produced in the country in terms of cattle and the main buyer was Mexico with 56 582 tons.
According to Phillip Seng, president and CEO of USMEF, the data reflect the resolution of the conflict in the West Coast ports in addition to the possibility to replenish important markets in Asia. Seng added that it expects production of meats such as beef in some major producers such as Australia has reduced but still has not materialized in the first quarter of 2015.

Changes in the directive on permitted substances in meat products
On the other hand, the Inspection Service and US Food Safety (FSIS) has made a revision of the directive on the list of supported for use in the manufacture of products based on meat, poultry and egg ingredients public. FSIS has taken into account the use of lactic acid, citric acid and potassium hydroxide, allowing its use as a spray in the treatment of beef, pork, lamb and poultry. New requirements for ready-to-eat meat products containing extracts and concentrates of lycopene from tomatoes are also included.