March 14, 2007

US gains OIE support in reopening beef markets
 

The United States beef has received some help in its long struggle to fully reopen top beef markets in Japan and South Korea.

Australia has dominated the two markets since mad cow disease first appeared in the US in 2003.

The international group that sets animal health standards Office International de Epizooties (OIE), tentatively designated for the US a "controlled risk country" - a move that could help the US to recover its once top beef markets Japan and Korea.

Jay Truitt, director of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association- Washington said the OIE document could hopefully ease exports to Japan and South Korea but definitely not on ever marketplace.

Truitt says Japan and Korea will "stand out" if they don't "fit in" with the rest of the international community.

This includes Japan's ban on beef from animals 21 months and older, and Korea's objection to tiny bone fragments it claims were in US shipments.