July 18, 2006

Japan finds US beef in turkey/ham shipment

In yet another embarrassing development for US negotiators trying to reopen Japan's market to US beef, inspectors in Japan has found 15.4 pounds of roast beef in a turkey and ham shipment from the US.

Apparently, the beef was packed by mistake at the plant, which remains unidentified.

The beef was removed from the shipment of 3,000 cases and incinerated.

A high-ranking official at Japan's Ministry of Agriculture said the find highlights the continued sloppiness among US beef processing operators.

Japanese inspection of US beef processing plants are expected to end by the end of the week.