Murray Statement on Ruling to Reopen Border to Canadian Beef

“Today’s ruling to reopen the border to Canadian beef is troubling for both our consumers and the livelihood of our cattle ranchers and producers.

Food safety is not a new issue for me. I have long been an advocate for stronger food safety protections. Since coming to the Senate, I’ve supported proposals that, had they passed, would have provided better safeguards against Mad Cow disease and other food supply dangers.

I believe consumers deserve the right to know where their beef comes from. Mandatory country-of-origin labeling is essential. And we need to do all that we can to increase consumer confidence in the safety of our food supply and reopen closed overseas markets to our producers. Now more than ever, it is vital that the Bush Administration moves forward with efforts to reopen Japan, Korea and other foreign markets to U.S. beef imports.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate, with the Administration, and the research community to ensure the safety of our residents, the strength of our economy, and consumer confidence in our food supply.”