February 25, 2008

US beef exports talks with Asia suffers setback due to recent beef recall
 

The recent large-scale beef recall has dealt a blow to beef export talks with South Korea and Japan, said Ed Schafer, US secretary of agriculture.

Schafer said US beef processors want to continue talks with South Korea and Japan, but the recent beef recall case has placed doubts onto the safety of US beef.

Schafer added that he would wait for the investigation results on the recall, and amend policies including beef examination rules.

Last week, 64350 tonnes of frozen beef from Hallmark/Westland were recalled as the company had abused and slaughtered sick cows.