The Alberta government is spending up to $30,000 to lure Japanese media to Canada to have a thorough inspection of the meat industry, said an Alberta Economic Development official.
“We want to get them over here and understand it’s one of the safest systems in the world,” said department spokesperson Mark Erdman.
The department is aiming not at the daily media, but at staff from the beef and meat trade publications that deal specifically with food.
“They are going to help the opinion leaders and help them change their mind.”
Depending on logistics, he expects trade publication staff to tour Alberta packing plants, inspection services and feedlots by mid-August. They will examine every part of the feeding program from how the feed is sourced to how the animals are taken to slaughter.
“They’re looking at everything from soup to nuts,” said Erdman.
