September 17, 2004

Japan To Propose New Conditions To End U.S. Beef Ban

The Japanese government decided Wednesday to propose new conditions for ending the ban on imports of beef, including scientific proof of cattle ages to the U.S, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported.

Japan recently changed its policy and decided to exempt beef cattle up to 20 months old from compulsory screening for mad cow disease. This is a condition the country has been demanding for lifting its import ban.

But Japan believes that determinations of cattle age by ranchers on a voluntary basis lack credibility. Thus it has decided to ask the USDA to provide proof that the animals' ages have been determined in a scientifically valid manner and that compensation be paid if problems arise.

The new conditions are expected to be proposed at a meeting of government officials to be held shortly. But it is unclear whether they will be accepted, because some in Washington are said to want more concessions from Tokyo.