July 30, 2008

The Gwanakgu Council in southwestern Seoul passed a resolution on Monday (July 28, 2008) not to use US beef for public meals subsidised by the ward office.

This marks the first time a local council has made such a decision since the government resumed imports of US beef. The resolution has no binding force but together with a bill that blocks usage of 'doubtful' ingredients, this could discourage eateries from using US beef, according to a council member.

The resolution stated that specific risky materials such as intestines, backbones, tongues and other parts are being freely imported, which caused anxiety among Gwanak residents. The resolution also said the quality check programme is a temporary measure as it is valid for only about a year, which isn't an effective way to curb public concerns. 

Lee Dong-young who proposed the resolution, said the announcement could benefit Korean beef and farms in the region as Korean beef consumption would increase without the competition from US beef.