Source:  MEATINGPLACE.COM, 10/909

Congress on Thursday passed a 2010 agriculture appropriations bill that includes a provision establishing an inspection system that could allow China to export poultry to the United States again.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service will be required to conduct audits and on-site reviews before certifying Chinese plants to ship poultry products to the United States.

The U.S. meat industry has asked Congress to remove barriers to Chinese poultry imports to avoid potential retaliation by China on U.S. meat exports.

National Turkey Federation President Joel Brandenberger called the bill a "milestone for all meat and poultry producers" given China's importance as an export market for many U.S. agricultural commodities.

"The turkey industry is confident in USDA's ability to ensure the integrity of our food system through strong and effective regulation," Brandenberger said in a statement.

The legislation, a compromise of versions passed in each chamber, now goes to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.

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