CattleNetwork_Today 3/26/2007 7:57:00 AM
Japan to U.S.: Tighten Beef Product Checks
A Japanese official has demanded that Washington step up its beef quality inspections before allowing designated U.S. meat-processing facilities to ship product to Tokyo.
Toshikatsu Matsuoka, Japan's minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, spoke to reporters after his country asked that USDA remove Tyson Foods Inc.'s Lexington, Neb., beef plant from a list of certified beef suppliers to Japan. (See Japan wants Tyson off beef supplier list on Meatingplace.com, March 23, 2007.)
Matsuoka said the U.S. has indicated a willingness to cooperate with his demand for more stringent inspections, according to Kyodo News Service. However, he's awaiting a response to Japan's request to take Tyson off the supplier list.
"We will decide how to deal with this matter after Washington comes back to us with a formal response," Matsuoka said.
By Tom Johnston on Monday, March 26, 2007
Japan to U.S.: Tighten Beef Product Checks
A Japanese official has demanded that Washington step up its beef quality inspections before allowing designated U.S. meat-processing facilities to ship product to Tokyo.
Toshikatsu Matsuoka, Japan's minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, spoke to reporters after his country asked that USDA remove Tyson Foods Inc.'s Lexington, Neb., beef plant from a list of certified beef suppliers to Japan. (See Japan wants Tyson off beef supplier list on Meatingplace.com, March 23, 2007.)
Matsuoka said the U.S. has indicated a willingness to cooperate with his demand for more stringent inspections, according to Kyodo News Service. However, he's awaiting a response to Japan's request to take Tyson off the supplier list.
"We will decide how to deal with this matter after Washington comes back to us with a formal response," Matsuoka said.
By Tom Johnston on Monday, March 26, 2007