April 1, 2004

Taiwan Considers Lifting Ban On US Beef Imports

Taiwan's Department of Health is considering lifting an import ban on U.S. beef that was put into effect in late December 2003 due to mad cow disease fears, an official familiar with beef imports said Thursday.
 
However, the timetable for a possible resumption of imports hasn't been set as the U.S. hasn't turned over any official documents stating that U.S. beef is free of mad cow disease and is safe for human consumption, according to the official.
 
"We are waiting for the U.S. to send a risk assessment to our expert panel for review...We will make a decision (on the resumption of imports) after the risk assessment has been carefully reviewed," said the official.
 
Taiwan imposed a ban on U.S. beef imports after a case of mad cow disease was found in Washington state in late December last year.
 
Taiwan also asked Canada to send related documents for review last week, indicating that Taiwan is considering resuming Canadian beef imports as well, the official said. Canadian beef imports were banned from late 2003, also due to mad cow fears.
 
"But Canada hasn't responded to us," the official said.