April 24, 2008

Canada seeks restriction-free access to South Korean beef market

Canada has requested for a full access to the South Korean beef market after the Korean government granted re-entry to US beef.

Canada's Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said discussions are ongoing for the full resumption of Canadian beef shipments.

Previously, Seoul banned all Canadian beef imports on May 21, 2003 due to a mad cow disease reported in the country.

The first shipments of US beef into South Korea are expected in the middle of May.

Just like the US, Canada has been classified as a risk controlled country in terms of mad cow disease management capabilities by the World Organization for Animal Health.