US beef arrives in Taiwan
American beef imports returning to stores in Taiwan
The China Post staff
2006/2/6
The first shipment of American beef will arrive in Taiwan today and consumers should be able to purchase the imported product at major wholesale stores Wednesday.
Importers immediately reactivated procurements from U.S. beef suppliers after the Cabinet-level Department of Health (DOH) conditionally reopened the Taiwan market for American beef imports before the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays.
Importers said yesterday that there won't be large quantities of beef via air transport from the United States at the initial stage.
But the product will be available for consumers in two days after clearing quarantine inspection and customs procedures.
Many wholesale stores, steakhouses and hot pot restaurants have reported influx of inquiries from customers who favor the special flavors of American beef.
Consumers welcomed the return of American beef because the increased supply in coming weeks will eventually force importers of beef from other sources like Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands to slash their prices by at least 10 to 20 percent in order to stay competitive.
The DOH has imposed strict criteria for American beef to be imported into Taiwan in view of concerns for consumer safety expressed by some lawmakers and consumer protection organizations about possible spread of the mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopath).
The stipulations set by the DOH cover certain criteria: the imported product should come from cattle raised in the United States with age under 30 months; it should be boneless beef without risky parts or substance attached; beef must be from slaughterhouses and processing factories that are approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and the beef should have certificates issued by the USDA.
Officials from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said they're glad that Taiwan consumers can now enjoy delicious U.S. beef products again.
They stressed that the U.S. government has been taking most stringent measures to secure problem-free beef supply for the benefit of consumers.
chinapost.com.tw
American beef imports returning to stores in Taiwan
The China Post staff
2006/2/6
The first shipment of American beef will arrive in Taiwan today and consumers should be able to purchase the imported product at major wholesale stores Wednesday.
Importers immediately reactivated procurements from U.S. beef suppliers after the Cabinet-level Department of Health (DOH) conditionally reopened the Taiwan market for American beef imports before the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays.
Importers said yesterday that there won't be large quantities of beef via air transport from the United States at the initial stage.
But the product will be available for consumers in two days after clearing quarantine inspection and customs procedures.
Many wholesale stores, steakhouses and hot pot restaurants have reported influx of inquiries from customers who favor the special flavors of American beef.
Consumers welcomed the return of American beef because the increased supply in coming weeks will eventually force importers of beef from other sources like Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands to slash their prices by at least 10 to 20 percent in order to stay competitive.
The DOH has imposed strict criteria for American beef to be imported into Taiwan in view of concerns for consumer safety expressed by some lawmakers and consumer protection organizations about possible spread of the mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopath).
The stipulations set by the DOH cover certain criteria: the imported product should come from cattle raised in the United States with age under 30 months; it should be boneless beef without risky parts or substance attached; beef must be from slaughterhouses and processing factories that are approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and the beef should have certificates issued by the USDA.
Officials from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said they're glad that Taiwan consumers can now enjoy delicious U.S. beef products again.
They stressed that the U.S. government has been taking most stringent measures to secure problem-free beef supply for the benefit of consumers.
chinapost.com.tw
