AMI Happy Japan Reopening Trade

WASHINGTON - Jun 21/06 - SNS -- The American Meat Institute is pleased with the partial reopening of the Japanese market to imports of U.S. beef, but wants to see full restoration of trade for beef from cattle of all ages.

"This partial reopening of trade in U.S. beef from animals 20 months and younger is an important step towards the full restoration of beef trade with Japan," the industry group said in a statement.

"Although we welcome the progress that the two governments have made in restoring trade, it's important to recognize that the vast majority of the U.S. beef supply will remain ineligible for export to Japan due to the age limitation on cattle.

"The restrictive conditions that continue to be imposed by this agreement with the Government of Japan are inconsistent with OIE standards for international beef trade. OIE guidelines clearly provide that there should be no cattle age requirement imposed on beef from a country with a low level risk from BSE – like the United States - because effective and appropriate risk mitigation measures have been in place for many years.

"During the process of restoring full beef trade, it is critical that Japan, and our other trading partners, recognize that the U.S. food safety system is a single, comprehensive and effective system, and should be treated accordingly.

"Japan continues to conduct an extensive audit of the U.S. beef processing and packing system. We are confident that when this exhaustive process is concluded in July, they will have reached the same conclusion the USDA has found: American beef is safe and wholesome.

"While restoring partial trade is a step in the right direction, the limitation imposed by this agreement underscores the need to adhere to international, science-based standards when negotiating trade agreements."