May 30, 2008

South Korea to resume US beef imports under new rules
   

South Korea would resume its imports of US beef under new rules that prioritise public health, according to agriculture minister Chung Woon-Chun.

The government has set new sanitary conditions for US beef imports with public health and safety as top priority, Chung said.

US beef imports would be thoroughly inspected to ensure food safety, Chung said, amid nationwide fear of mad cow disease despite South Korea and the US moving to assure the quality and safety of US beef.

South Koreans disapprove the beef deal as they held candlelight vigils in protest.

The resumption of beef imports is a pre-condition for the US' approval of the separate free trade agreement with South Korea, which some analysts said could boost annual trade between the two nations by US$20 billion.

Labour unions are increasing pressure on the government, warning that they would lead protests and block distribution of US beef shipments.

To reassure locals and to pacify their fears, South Korea has tightened its country-of-origin regulations for beef, which would be effective from June 18 onwards.