March 23, 2007

Japan regards significance of beef traceability
 

The Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery has acknowledged the importance of beef traceability called "Indication and Relay of Individual Identification Numbers on Designated Beef" as a necessary system to ensure beef safety for Japanese consumers.

Implemented in December 2004, the system enables consumers to trace individual cattle information (limited to domestically produced beef only) such as date and place of birth, sex, type of cattle and where/when the animal was slaughtered, by accessing a designated website and entering a ten digit identification code that is indicated on a retail package label.

However, the system is yet to familiarise Japanese beef buyers as results from the survey show that only 35 percent are "familiar with the traceability system" while the majority believes that the current system is required and should be continued in order "to eat Japanese beef without safety concerns".

The survey also indicated that beef traceability is important to "maintain appropriate labelling and identification of domestic beef" as well as a "useful tool to prevent BSE from spreading."

Although 6 percent of the respondents have verified the identification number through the internet, survey results indicate the transparency and readiness to provide safety information on beef sold in the markets is an important key to win consumers' confidence. Some Japanese supermarkets have already set up computer terminals to readily provide their buyers the beef's identification and other information.