Bad US Beef Ends Up In Siberia

Russia is claiming today that two tonnes of beef with signs of BSE mad cow disease has found its way to Magadan, East Siberia, by way of France and the United States. John Howard reports.

Vladimir Sheiko, chief vet inspector for the Magadan region, has detained two tonnes of beef imported by a Russian trade company from the U.S. which is suspected to contain mad cow disease.

"So far, I can't accuse anyone officially of having violated the rules until expert examination is conducted," he said.

"However, definite suppositions can be made as suspicious signs were found on the markings of carcasses and in accompanying papers. In particular, a French origin of the beef has been proved by labels prohibiting bringing the meat to the U.S. and selling it there. Someone has been trying to remove that marking," Mr Sheiko said.

The detained U.S. meat will be kept by officials under strict supervision until the investigations end.

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