U.S. beef returns to restaurants in Japan

Posted on December 20, 2005 by Mad Cow

By The Associated Press

TOKYO -- Released from a two-year ban over mad cow fears, American beef sizzled once again on Japanese grills Monday, debuting at a popular barbecue chain and a private banquet put on by U.S. producers.

The feasts followed limited shipments over the weekend triggered by the Japanese government's decision last week to ease the embargo on U.S. beef imposed in December 2003.

The fete on Monday heralded the return of American beef to what once was its most lucrative overseas market. U.S. producers sold some $1.4 billion in beef to Japan in 2003, and supporters were eager to woo Japanese palates once again.

Continue Reading...
Tags:

Japan agrees to ease ban on U.S. beef

Posted on December 12, 2005 by Mad Cow

December 12, 2005

Associated Press / Washington Post

Hans Greimel

TOKYO -- The easing Monday of Japan's two-year ban on U.S. and Canadian beef imports could put American steaks back on Japanese plates by year's end, but lingering worries persist on both sides of the Pacific.

Japanese consumers are leery as ever about mad cow disease, while North American ranchers bemoan the limited trade opening as only a first step toward tapping what was once their most lucrative overseas market.

Customers crowd a beef bowl restaurant Yoshinoya in Tokyo as the company revived its popular beef-on-rice dishes for one day on the first anniversary of the dishes being pulled off the menu due to Japan's ban on American beef imports over mad cow disease, in this Feb. 11, 2005 file photo. The Japanese government is poised to ease its two-year ban on U.S. beef imports as early as Monday, Dec. 12, 2005 according to media reports, in a move that would resolve a bitter trade row between Tokyo and its top ally.

Continue Reading...
Tags: