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Buying Canadian Beef

In this section:

Dotted ArrowIntegrated North American Market
Dotted ArrowImporting Canadian Beef
Dotted ArrowSuppliers

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Integrated North American Market

Meat (including beef), poultry and egg products exported from another nation into the U.S. must meet all safety standards applied to foods produced in the United States. Determining that another country's inspections systems are equivalent to those in use in the U.S. is the job of the Food Safety and Inspection System (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for overseeing federal meat inspection. Only processors approved by CFIA are permitted to export beef. A list of beef processors approved by CFIA to export to the U.S. is available from CFIA.

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Importing Canadian Beef

In addition to importing from foreign establishments that meet FSIS equivalency standards and have been approved to export to the U.S., the U.S. government has a myriad of other import regulations that must be met. The complexities and dynamics of international trade are such that an importer will find it extremely beneficial to work with a customs broker. A customs broker acts as an agent for an importer in conducting business. The broker is well-versed in and keeps abreast of changes in the law and administrative procedures, and is in contact with over 40 government agencies that have an interest in import regulations, such as the USDA, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Homeland Security etc. Additional information is provided by the U.S. government's International Trade Data System.

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Suppliers

Atlantic Beef Producers (902) 437-2727
Albany, Prince Edward Island
www.abpi.ca

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Cargill Better Beef (519) 823-5200
Guelph, Ontario
www.betterbeef.ca

Cargill High River
Cargill (800) 835-2837

Distribution Centers:
   Chicago IL (630) 739-1746
   Denver CO (303) 399-9515
   Miami FL (305) 826-3699
   Mount Holly NJ (609) 265-3900
   Oklahoma City OK (405) 681-7675
   Salt Lake City UT (801) 972-4545
   San Antonio TX (210) 337-7777
   Tracy CA (Northern) (209) 832-0118
   Vernon CA (Southern) (323) 583-0801

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Ryding Regency Meat Packers
Toronto, Ont.
(416) 769-1788
www.rydingregency.com

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St. Helens Meat Packers
Toronto, Ont.
(416) 767-3343
www.sthelensmeat.com

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Tyson Foods (888) 336-1544
www.tyson.com
Fresh Meat Service Centers
   Atlanta GA (800) 745-1544
   Chicago IL (847) 836-5550
   Los Angeles CA (714) 528-5543
   Midwest (800) 416-2269
   New York (800) 927-1544

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XL Foods
Calgary, Alta
(800) 661-3180
www.xlfoods.com

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