The petition was started on 13 April on the White House’s ‘We the People’ website, which allows the public to start petitions for political review.

In order to get an official response from the White House, the petition must get 100,000 signatures by 13 May. So far the petition has received 1,300 signatures.

The petition is backed by Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF) which is a national, non-profit organisation.

It says it is dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the cattle and sheep industries in the US and is fighting for the independent US cattle producer.

The petition is in response to the allegations that rotten and dangerous meat had been sold and public officials had been bribed in Brazil.

Country of origin labelling

According to those behind the petition, they are asking the White House to ban unsafe imports from Brazil until all beef sold in the United States is labelled with its country of origin.

“This petition will benefit the largest segment of American agriculture – the US cattle industry, as well as protect American consumers,” the statement says.

R-CALF say that without a country of origin label, consumers don’t have the right to choose American.

“This is the time to protect ourselves and our families from unsafe Brazilian imports and demand to know where our beef comes from,” the group says.

After the scandal broke, some of Brazil’s biggest markets, including China and the EU placed a ban on imports. However, China has since lifted the ban.

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