Mad cow scare ebbs; Japan to accept U.S. beef
From wire and staff reports
Japan on Thursday announced the resumption of U.S. beef imports, ending a ban imposed in January due to concerns about mad cow disease that had strained ties with Washington.
U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer immediately welcomed the move, which reopens Japan's lucrative market to a select list of American meat exporters, saying that it resolved an issue of primary importance to the United States.
"We are pleased that Japanese auditors and officials have found our process to be sound, and we are proud that our system is scientifically-based and exceeds international standards," Schieffer said in a statement.
South Dakota's congressional delegation was also pleased, although Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D., said the situation isn't resolved.
"I do have concerns that this agreement is tenuous, and I remain worried that Japan will again disrupt trading for minor or technical issues," she said in a news release. "The agreement is also limited to only boneless beef from cattle under 21 months of age. I would prefer increasing the age to 30 months."
In a statement, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said there's no reason Japan should have concerns about U.S. beef.
"Our cattle and ranching industries in South Dakota and across the country adhere to a standard of excellence that is respected by nations worldwide. I hope trade with Japan will continue steadily, without any further disruptions, for the benefit of both countries," he said.
Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., said that Japan was once the largest importer of U.S. beef and the United States has to get that market back.
"I think we've got to be very firm with the Japanese. We cannot continue to buy billions of dollars of their automobiles and electronics while they continue to stonewall us on the purchase of our beef," Johnson said in a press release.
The ban was imposed when Japanese inspectors checking a veal shipment found banned parts believed to be at risk for disease. It was lifted after Japanese representatives toured U.S. facilities to ensure they met safety guidelines.
Health Minister Jiro Kawasaki announced the lifting of the ban after the Agriculture Ministry's mad cow advisory committee approved a resumption in imports.
"We think it is possible to guarantee safety so long as the U.S. observes its export program to Japan," Kawasaki told reporters. "We strongly hope that the U.S. will ensure compliance with the export program."
Mad cow disease is a degenerative nerve disease in cattle. In humans, eating diseased meat is linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and deadly nerve disease.
