CattleNetwork_Today 3/13/2007 7:10:00 AM
Despite New OIE designation, U.S. Still In Same Spot With Japan
Although the World Organization for Animal Health classified the United States as a "controlled risk" region for bovine spongiform encephalopathy last week, therby paving the way for U.S. processors to export beef from cattle of any age, the decision "will not lead to [immediate] changes in [Japan's] import terms for U.S. beef," said Japanese Vice Minister of Agriculture Yoshio Kobayashi.
Kobayashi indicated that Japan's examination of Tokyo-bound U.S beef is still under way and that the country is "not at the stage of participating in negotiations to review the terms of trade."
USDA has been pressing Japan to raise the age limit on cattle slaughtered for its beef imports from 20 months to 30 months.
By John Gregerson on Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Despite New OIE designation, U.S. Still In Same Spot With Japan
Although the World Organization for Animal Health classified the United States as a "controlled risk" region for bovine spongiform encephalopathy last week, therby paving the way for U.S. processors to export beef from cattle of any age, the decision "will not lead to [immediate] changes in [Japan's] import terms for U.S. beef," said Japanese Vice Minister of Agriculture Yoshio Kobayashi.
Kobayashi indicated that Japan's examination of Tokyo-bound U.S beef is still under way and that the country is "not at the stage of participating in negotiations to review the terms of trade."
USDA has been pressing Japan to raise the age limit on cattle slaughtered for its beef imports from 20 months to 30 months.
By John Gregerson on Tuesday, March 13, 2007