January 9, 2004

Japan Wants Scientific Proof of US Beef Safety

Japanese vice-minister of agriculture, Yoshiaki Watanabe stressed at a press conference on Thursday that US beef will not be allowed into Japan without concrete proof that it is mad cow free.

"When a system that scientifically proves safety is introduced and concerns are allayed, smooth trade will result," the vice minister said in connection with the first case in the U.S. of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease.

He added that "hasty measures will harm trust," indicating that Japan intends to maintain its ban on U.S. beef imports for the time being.

With regard to the meeting Wednesday between Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Watanabe emphasized the need for the U.S. to provide more information.

"The U.S. must cooperate with Japanese investigation teams and disclose information on BSE," he said. "The U.S should remove obstacles by promptly setting forth a proposal for the measures Japan wants."

Watanabe did not specify the types of measures Japan is requesting, but he did assert that current U.S. efforts are not enough.

"There will be no progress (on U.S.-Japan discussions) if (the U.S.) maintains its stance that all cattle 24 months of age or under are safe," he said.