May 1, 2006

China denies approving beef imports from Japan, launches raids

An official from China's quality watchdog asserted on Friday (Apr 29) that his administration did not approve imports of beef from Kobe, Japan.

Li Yuanping, director of the Import and Export Food Security Bureau of the State Administration of Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine said it has never approved Japanese beef imports.

The official was responding to advertising claims by upscale Chinese hotels and restaurants that they offer imported Kobe beef.

Ever since 2001, when mad cow disease broke out in Japan, the Administration has asked quality supervision, inspection and quarantine departments to strengthen inspections over ships, airplanes and belongings of travelers coming from infected countries.

The department has never received any application for the approval of importing beef from Japan.

Quality supervision and inspection and quarantine departments in Beijing, Shanghai and other metropolitan cities have launched raids on companies allegedly involved in the case.

Meat products can only enter China after approval from the Administration and getting certificates from departments concerned.