July 5, 2007

South Korea to complete its US plant inspections

South Korean quarantine experts are expecting to finish their inspection of beef plants in the United States by July 8 as part of the eight step risk analysis checklist stipulated in the free trade agreement between two countries to revise restrictions on US beef imports.

The inspection team will check US cattle properties, processing plants and animal feed companies, as well as review export procedures. Procedures on removing the specified risk materials and traceability of both animals and meat will also be given attention, the Korean Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said.

The Agreement, however, is yet to be ratified by both governments - with some elements in the US reiterating their position that Korea must fully reopen its market to US beef.

Under the US-Korea FTA, US beef will face a zero tariff following a 15 year implementation period while other suppliers such as Australia will continue to face the current 40 percent tariff.