January 15, 2008

Japan suspends import of Smithfield beef

Japan has currently suspended the import of Smithfield beef due to the discovery of meat from 21-month-old cattle, media reports indicate.

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) did not explain the circumstances on the suspension, but some observers believe that Japan still has not eased up controls on meat coming from over 20-month-old cattles.

Japan only accepts beef from cattle aged 20 months or younger on fears of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Japan's agriculture and health ministries said two Japanese importers recalled product after officials determined that 1.3 metric tonnes of the 17-metric-tonne shipment contain beef from 21-month-old cattle, the Associated Press reported.