    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 22 (Monday, June 5, 2000)]
    [Page 1242]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Meat and Poultry Inspection System

    May 26, 2000

        When this administration came into office, meat and poultry were
    inspected by the same old method used for 90 years. In 1996, we began a
    comprehensive, science-based system that, for the first time, requires
    plants to reduce bacterial contamination in meat and poultry.
        This system has been a tremendous success. In just 2 years, the
    presence of dangerous salmonella on meat and poultry has been reduced by
    up to 50 percent, and illnesses caused by salmonella are also down.
        Unfortunately, a small minority of meat plants are acting against
    the best interests of the American people. They threaten to undermine an
    inspection system that is clearly effective in reducing food poisoning,
    jeopardizing the confidence that consumers have in the safety of the
    food they eat.
        The Justice Department has vigorously defended this vital program
    and will decide on an expedited basis what further legal action to take.
    I am also calling on the food industry to use its vast resources to help
    ensure that all meat processing plants maintain the strictest possible
    safety standards.
        This administration will continue to use every available tool to
    ensure that our food supply remains the safest in the world.

    Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.