January 26, 2005

South Korea to consider public health concerns in US beef decision

Public health concerns will determine when South Korea will start re-importing U.S. beef, Agriculture and Forestry Park Hong-soo said Wednesday.

Park said solid assurances from U.S. exporters that their beef is safe for consumption will be a key precondition.

South Korea placed an import ban on U.S. beef in December 2003 after a case of mad cow disease was detected.

"The health of the people is foremost when it comes to the beef market opening," the official said.

He stressed that despite some speculation of a "political settlement" being forged, such talk had no basis in fact.

Park, who was named the minister on January 4, said he will outline these views when he meets with U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Christopher Hill on Thursday.