October 6, 2004

Japan Asked To Lift US Beef Ban On Age Assurance

U.S. representatives in talks with Japanese counterparts urged Japan to lift its ban on U.S. beef imports, saying Japan's concern on mad cow tests can be resolved.

The U.S. reportedly wants Japan to end a requirement that all cattle be tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. Japan is considering a change that would waive tests of cattle younger than 20 months, thereby opening the door for some U.S. imports.

In two days of talks in Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. officials said it is possible to determine the age of cattle by size, bone density, meat color and other factors, to certify cattle as being exempt from BSE testing, the report said.

U.S. beef imports were banned in December 2003 after a case of mad cow disease was reported in Washington State.