New Proposal Would Ease Import Restrictions on Japanese Beef Agri-View: Feature Stories

A proposed rule that would ease import restrictions against beef from Japan was published last week in the Federal Register by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

The importation of most ruminant products from Japan has been suspended since 2001, following Japan's first domestic case of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). According to the proposal, APHIS has since conducted extensive research and monitored the Japanese BSE prevention programs, and concluded that it is safe to resume imports. The products affected would include most whole cuts of boneless beef derived from cattle born, raised and slaughtered in Japan.

Under the proposal, all imported Japanese beef would have to meet rigorous safety criteria, including complete removal of specified risk materials (SRMs). In the proposal, APHIS states that, "the import conditions in the proposed rule, including the removal of SRMs, are based on scientific research and in combination are effective in allowing for the safe importation of whole cuts of boneless beef from Japan."

Jim McAdams, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) said last week that NCBA "will not support finalization of this proposed rule until Japan has completed its domestic process and accepts beef from the United States." He said NCBA would continue its aggressive push for the complete re-opening of all export markets for U.S. beef. "There is no scientific basis for the continued restrictions on U.S. beef, and Japanese borders should be reopened to U.S. beef once and for all," McAdams said.

The proposed rule is open for public comment until Sept. 19 and can be viewed at http://docket.epa.gov/edkfed/do/EDKStaffCollectionDetailView?objectId=0b0007d48096b40d.

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