|
|
Johanns praises beef import decisions by Japan, othersWASHINGTON (AP)--The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture cited Japan's recent announcement that it will stop re-inspecting all beef shipment from the United States and market advances in South Korea and Malaysia as evidence of progress in the export of U.S. beef. All three restricted U.S. beef imports after the first case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy was identified in the United States in December 2003. Japan had eased restrictions in December 2005 but tightened again a month later after barred spinal bones were found in a shipment of veal. "Recent developments are demonstrating that our constructive and steady discussions with our trading partners are showing positive results for future U.S. beef exports," Secretary Mike Johanns said in a statement. "I am gratified that progress has been made with three key nations." The recent announcement by Japan that it was shifting to a sampling system of inspections, rather than total re-inspection, followed inspections by Japanese inspectors to dozens of U.S. meat plants. News reports in Japan said talks on further easing are expected as early as this month. Johanns said the United States is eager for the talks to begin with the country that used to be the largest U.S. beef importer. He also noted that South Korea recently agreed to resume imports of boneless beef from the United States and said Malaysia announced June 13 agreement to import U.S. beef guidelines that permit bone-in beef and variety meats. He said he looks forward to confirming details of the Malaysian announcement. "Science provides us with clear data upon which international trading standards were built," Johanns said. "All of our trading partners must be mindful of these guidelines and work toward complying with them. Date: 6/28/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
