August 6, 2008
US beef ribs cleared by South Korean inspection, ready for sale
US beef ribs which have been imported in July have been cleared by South Korea's quarantine inspections and are ready to reach customers within the week, the Korean government said Tuesday (August 5).
The sales will mark the first time in nearly five years when Korean consumers will again have access to the US beef cuts.
The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said 1.35 tonnes of short ribs, chuck ribs, rib finger intercostal and flanks have been issued permits.
The permits allow importers to pay the 40 percent import duties and storage fees so the meat can be moved out of customs areas for sale.
The NVRQS, which has been inspecting the 1.47 tons of bone-in beef cuts and trimmings imported from Creekstone Farms Premium Beef on June 29, said the remaining thin skirt portions are undergoing more detailed examinations that can take up to 18 days.
If there are no problems, the thin skirt cuts should clear quarantine around the middle of the month.
The agency also said that as of last week, 4,519 tonnes of beef held in storage since last year have cleared inspections with 1,500 tonnes leaving customs areas. The meat is from the 5,300 tonnes of beef held in cold storage since 2007.