July 4, 2006

US hopes Malaysia's import of US beef would bounce back to pre-ban levels

Malaysia's import of US beef is expected to return to pre-ban levels of 800 to 1,000 tonnes a year within six months, said US Embassy agricultural counsellor for Malaysia and Singapore, Jonathan Gressel.

US beef is expected to return to Malaysia's retail market by early August, Gressel said.

Malaysia lifted the ban on US beef and beef products, which has been in place since December 2003, in March this year.

Only boneless beef and beef products from animals under 30 months of age are allowed.

The US exported about US$2 million of beef products to Malaysia yearly before the ban.

Gressel said the US also would like to have more of its plants receive halal certification and approval from Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services for food safety.

He noted that currently, only two plants -- Strauss Veal & Lamb International Inc in Wisconsin and JF O'Neill Packing Co Inc in Nebraska - are certified by Malaysia.