Japan Market Again Open

Japan

Market Again Open To U.S. Beef

“The U.S. Meat Export Federation is pleased the Japanese market is again open to beef from the United States. Our beef now is one of the most scrutinized foods ever to be imported into Japan,” USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said in a statement today (July 27). “This has been a trying time for U.S. and Japanese industries. We look forward to winning back the confidence of the many Japanese companies and individuals who have both relied on and enjoyed our products for nearly three decades.”

Although trade briefly resumed in December 2005, it shut again the next month, following discovery of a shipment of veal containing specified risk materials.

Japan announced Thursday that it would once again resume importing U.S. beef. Under the agreement, the Japanese will only accept shipments of beef from cattle 20 months or younger from a list of 34 processing plants. Certification of the plants came following a month-long tour by officials from two Japanese ministries of 35 plants to ensure they met required safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

At a news conference, Japan's Health Minister, Jiro Kawasaki, said the committee found no problems at 20 of the 35 facilities and that an additional 13 had made sufficient improvements to become eligible. One plant remains under provisional surveillance and one will not be allowed to export to Japan until administrative changes are complete. There are no plans to add additional plants to roster, he told reporters. USDA officials further explained that there would be a 6-month moratorium on approval of new plants eligible to ship to Japan.

While it was expected that pipeline product – shipped during the time the market was open but still awaiting inspection by customs in Japan – would be allowed to clear immediately, U.S. and Japanese officials now confirm it would be allowed to enter the country at some “future date” after new product has successfully cleared customs for a period of time. Japanese officials were quoted as saying this would be in about three months.

"I am pleased that Japan announced today it would resume imports of U.S. beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger. This has been a long process as we've confirmed that our system is in full compliance with Japan's import requirements and provided Japan with clear, scientific data confirming that American beef is extremely safe,” said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in a statement.

“Given this opportunity, the U.S. beef industry will continue to work tirelessly to provide a safe, high-quality product that Japanese consumers can trust and enjoy. We welcome the opportunity to once again compete in the Japanese marketplace,” noted U.S. Ambassador to Japan J. Thomas Schieffer.

Although additional details are to be posted by USDA, agency officials said slaughter of qualified animals for export of products under the Japan Export Verification Program could begin after 5 a.m. (EDT) Thursday.

Japan

Market Again Open To U.S. Beef

“The U.S. Meat Export Federation is pleased the Japanese market is again open to beef from the United States. Our beef now is one of the most scrutinized foods ever to be imported into Japan,” USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said in a statement today (July 27). “This has been a trying time for U.S. and Japanese industries. We look forward to winning back the confidence of the many Japanese companies and individuals who have both relied on and enjoyed our products for nearly three decades.”

Although trade briefly resumed in December 2005, it shut again the next month, following discovery of a shipment of veal containing specified risk materials.

Japan announced Thursday that it would once again resume importing U.S. beef. Under the agreement, the Japanese will only accept shipments of beef from cattle 20 months or younger from a list of 34 processing plants. Certification of the plants came following a month-long tour by officials from two Japanese ministries of 35 plants to ensure they met required safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

At a news conference, Japan's Health Minister, Jiro Kawasaki, said the committee found no problems at 20 of the 35 facilities and that an additional 13 had made sufficient improvements to become eligible. One plant remains under provisional surveillance and one will not be allowed to export to Japan until administrative changes are complete. There are no plans to add additional plants to roster, he told reporters. USDA officials further explained that there would be a 6-month moratorium on approval of new plants eligible to ship to Japan.

While it was expected that pipeline product – shipped during the time the market was open but still awaiting inspection by customs in Japan – would be allowed to clear immediately, U.S. and Japanese officials now confirm it would be allowed to enter the country at some “future date” after new product has successfully cleared customs for a period of time. Japanese officials were quoted as saying this would be in about three months.

"I am pleased that Japan announced today it would resume imports of U.S. beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger. This has been a long process as we've confirmed that our system is in full compliance with Japan's import requirements and provided Japan with clear, scientific data confirming that American beef is extremely safe,” said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in a statement.

“Given this opportunity, the U.S. beef industry will continue to work tirelessly to provide a safe, high-quality product that Japanese consumers can trust and enjoy. We welcome the opportunity to once again compete in the Japanese marketplace,” noted U.S. Ambassador to Japan J. Thomas Schieffer.

Although additional details are to be posted by USDA, agency officials said slaughter of qualified animals for export of products under the Japan Export Verification Program could begin after 5 a.m. (EDT) Thursday.