The Cattle Producers of Washington says a slew of information it obtained has raised safety concerns because of export mistakes over several months last year.

But Andrea McNally, spokeswoman for the U.S. Agriculture Department, said Tuesday a preliminary government review has found "minor problems that have to do with record-keeping."

"They have no bearing on whether the animal can enter," she said. "These are record violations at the state level."

If cattle shipments don't meet import rules, they aren't allowed into the country, she said, and the bulk of the violations involve U.S. feed lots failing to send notices to the state veterinarian when cows go to be slaughtered.

The documents are still under review.

"If we find there are larger problems, we'll respond appropriately," said McNally.

Canadian industry officials chalk up the complaints to the group's close alignment with R-CALF, a Montana-based organization that's tried for years to stop beef and cattle from crossing the border.

Willard Wolf, vice-president of the Washington cattlemen's group, insisted there's a lot at stake, particularly now that the U.S. wants to resume importing older cows.

Source: Canada.com