SPRINGDALE, Ark., June 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the concerns of some South Korean consumers, several U.S. beef processors have offered to voluntarily implement a temporary labeling program to help ensure the reopening of the South Korea market and help rebuild the confidence of South Korean consumers in the safety of U.S. beef.
Thus far, Tyson Foods, Inc.(NYSE:TSN), JBS Swift & Co., Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., National Beef Packing Co. and Smithfield Beef Group, Inc. have stated their willingness to place special labels on boxes of beef they ship to South Korea. The labels, which would be used for up to 120 days, would indicate whether the product is from cattle under 30 months, or from cattle 30 months of age and over. It would subsequently be left up to South Korean customers to decide which product they want to purchase.
Most of the product shipped by these U.S. processors is from cattle under 30 months of age. All of these companies take a wide range of preventative measures to ensure the safety of product produced from all cattle of any age. However, they have agreed to take this additional step as they recognize the sensitivities of their South Korean customers at this time. With this label the customers can be assured they can choose, and purchase, the product they want.
All of these U.S. processors have previously exported product to South Korea and stand ready to resume shipments to their South Korean customers under these terms. All U.S. beef processors may also offer product under the same conditions.
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