May 30, 2007

Japan to review its regulations on US beef after inspections on US beef plants

Japan is expected to review its regulations on US beef after its inspection has found no major issues or concerns after its assessment on US beef plants.

Japan is seen to have a formal evaluation whether it would lift the 100 percent inspection of the US shipments as was previously discussed with US. The removal would mean more entry of US beef to the Japanese market.

The US is also expecting a relaxed restriction of 21 month-age and under regulation set by Japan on its beef imports.

The World Animal Health Organization (OIE) granted a "controlled risk" on mad cow disease for US beef at all ages (except specified risk materials). However, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) stated that it will conduct an independent scientific assessment prior to any altering of its import requirements (OIE has no authority to impose its recommended trading rules on importing countries).

Despite growing pressure from the US to immediately relax the current age restriction, it is expected that the Japanese government will take careful steps before altering the protocol. The Japan's Food Safety Commission will need to review any proposed changes concerning import regulations, both after the scientific study and following discussions between the Japan and the US governments.

Japan will also be pushed to relax domestic testing on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or commonly called as mad cow disease. Currently all cattle over 20 months of age slaughtered must be tested for BSE (though, in effect, 100 percent testing is still being conducted, funded by the Japanese government). MAFF announced this week that it will discontinue the funding of BSE testing for cattle under 21 months by August 2008.

Authorities, however argue if Japanese consumers would accept a relaxed testing for both local and imported beef as well as agreeing with the scientific assessments.