June 12, 2007

Japan to issue results on US beef inspections

Japanese inspectors who had a two-week tour of US meatpacking plants that export beef to Tokyo are expected to release a report this week that could relax Japan's strict regulations on US beef.

All 35 certified American meat processors and exporters have reportedly complied compliance with Tokyo's standards. The audit occurred between May 14 and May 25.

Japanese officials had earlier stated it would terminate all inspections of US beef if the inspection has showed a good result.

Washington has been urging Japan to completely lift its restrictions on US beef, an effort that picked up steam after the World Organization for Animal Health granted the United States a "controlled risk" region for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), technically qualifying it to export beef from cattle of any age.

However, Japanese officials are to review the latest anti-BSE controls by the US and the submitted OIE documents before revising any regulations.