January 23, 2006

Singapore resumes import of US beef

Singapore will resume the import of US boneless beef products from animals under 30 months of age, announced US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on Jan 19.

Singapore's decision to lift its ban follows similar developments in Hong Kong and South Korea to resume the import of US beef products. Singapore suspended imports of US beef in December 2003.

The Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has carried out a full assessment of the risk of mad cow disease from US beef and is satisfied with US safeguards in its beef exports.

The US exported US$5.9 million of beef and beef exports to Singapore in 2003, with boneless beef exports accounting for almost US$4 million.

After a cow in the US was discovered to be infected with mad cow disease, US$4.8 billion worth of US beef and beef products exports were banned by several countries. Since then, markets accounting for US$3.8 billion have been recovered.