Most U.S. meat plants back on export list for Mexico

Most U.S. meat plants have cleared things up relative to their ability to export meat to Mexico, with four more being re-listed to export as of Jan. 2, according to USDA.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) currently only lists one plant -- Vin-Lee-Ron Meats Inc. of Mentone, IN. -- now listed as ineligible to export as of Dec. 23, 2008. All other plants appear to have had their export capabilities re-instated.

Reports note that U.S. and Mexican officials are still scheduled to meet today to talk about meat inspection issues, specifically on a proposal by Mexico to ban shipments of meat in large containers -- any shipments of carcasses, split carcasses or pieces would only be able to be shipped in boxes or on pallets. It's not clear exactly what the impact to U.S. meat exports would be, but some say up to 80% of U.S. meat exports could be affected by the proposed shift in Mexico that would take effect Jan. 15.

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