Summary

Inspection of Canadian meat imports became controversial after the Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted "streamlined" procedures for inspecting Canadian meat and poultry imports and later proposed an "open border" test that would end all inspections. While USDA withdrew the open border proposal, the streamlined procedures remain. The assumption that Canadian meat is wholesome and that consumers are protected rests primarily on a USDA determination that Canada's system is equivalent to the U.S. inspection system. However, GAO found that USDA's Canadian equivalency review was outdated and poorly documented such that GAO could not independently review the basis for USDA's determination. The main issue raised by the streamlined procedures is whether the procedures themselves instill consumer confidence. The Canadian inspector who selects the samples is part of the Canadian inspection system that USDA import inspectors are evaluating. That the person being evaluated selects his or her own sample creates the appearance that the sampling process lacks independence and objectivity. The streamlined procedures, as currently designed, will continue to be a source of allegations, controversy, and criticism and may erode consumer confidence in the system.