Korea Implements Traceability Program for All Cattle

Korea Implements Traceability Program for All Cattle

The South Korean Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (MIFAFF) has announced that it will implement a Beef Traceability System on Dec. 22, 2008, that will apply to all cattle produced in Korea.

The initial implementation applies to the farm level, and it will be expanded to the distribution level effective June 22, 2009. After that date, any cow raised in Korea without an ear tag will not be allowed to be slaughtered.

“This announcement by South Korea reinforces the message that the U.S. industry needs to move forward with a traceability program if it is serious about remaining competitive in the international marketplace,” said Thad Lively, senior vice president of policy, planning and research for USMEF. “The time is coming when this will be a minimum requirement for U.S. products to gain or retain access to Korea and many other export markets.”

The Korean government introduced its beef traceability system as a trial project back in October 2004. Initially, Korean consumers will be able to get traceability information on beef through the internet site (www.mtrace.go.kr). As of June 2009, traceability information will be available by cell phone.

Korea Implements Traceability Program for All Cattle

The South Korean Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (MIFAFF) has announced that it will implement a Beef Traceability System on Dec. 22, 2008, that will apply to all cattle produced in Korea.

The initial implementation applies to the farm level, and it will be expanded to the distribution level effective June 22, 2009. After that date, any cow raised in Korea without an ear tag will not be allowed to be slaughtered.

“This announcement by South Korea reinforces the message that the U.S. industry needs to move forward with a traceability program if it is serious about remaining competitive in the international marketplace,” said Thad Lively, senior vice president of policy, planning and research for USMEF. “The time is coming when this will be a minimum requirement for U.S. products to gain or retain access to Korea and many other export markets.”

The Korean government introduced its beef traceability system as a trial project back in October 2004. Initially, Korean consumers will be able to get traceability information on beef through the internet site (www.mtrace.go.kr). As of June 2009, traceability information will be available by cell phone.