Asia Pacific | Japan May Lift Ban On North American BeefJapan may lift its ...

Asia Pacific

Japan May Lift Ban On North American Beef
Japan may lift its ban on U.S. and Canadian beef after an expert panel said the risk of mad cow disease is almost the same for Japanese as North American beef.

Minister: Japan Must Inspect U.S. Beef Facilities
The Japanese government must be allowed to inspect meat processing facilities in the U.S. after Tokyo lifts its two-year ban on imports of American beef, the agriculture minister said Tuesday.

Hong Kong Cook Dies Of Pig-Borne Disease, Says Health Department
A Hong Kong cook has died of a pig-borne disease, bringing the total number of deaths from the disease in the territory to two and infections to 12, the health department said.

Bird Flu In China Sickens 2,100 Geese
A bird flu outbreak sickened 2,100 geese in eastern China and killed about a quarter of them — the country's second outbreak reported in a week, a U.N. official said Tuesday.

Europe

Europe Said to Be Prepared for Bird Flu
Europe is well-positioned to contain bird flu and prevent a feared human pandemic but should not be complacent, health officials said Monday as new waterfowl deaths were reported in Croatia.

Americas

Trade Advocacy Expected to Help Smooth Canada U.S. Trade Relations
Manitoba Pork Council is counting on stepped up trade advocacy initiatives to help head off the next U.S. trade action against Canadian swine.

Argentina Bans Beef From Four More Brazilian States
Argentina has banned beef imports from four more Brazilian states on concern that recent outbreaks of food-and-mouth disease in that country could cause problems in Argentina, the animal and plant inspection agency, Senasa, said.

Indonesia, Switzerland Restrict Brazil Meat Imports
Indonesia and Switzerland have barred the import of Brazilian meat, raising to 43 the number of countries that have restricted imports since an outbreak here of foot-and-mouth disease, the government said on Monday.

United States

Ag Secretary Visits Colorado Farmers To Hear Concerns
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said he expects Japan to open its markets to U.S. beef and agreed with speakers at a hearing Monday that the estate tax should be repealed so farmers can pass their land onto their family.

Kitchen Opens At McDonald's
McDonald's Corp., the world's largest restaurant chain, on Tuesday will invite Americans to take a virtual tour of its kitchen. Through a link on its Web site, McDonald's plans to show how its food gets "from farm to table," with videos and explainers showing the processes and companies behind its french fries, hamburgers and Egg McMuffins.

U.S. Beef Exports Increase From Last Year
As anticipated, exports of U.S. pork were fairly robust in August while imports remained below a year ago, according to the latest monthly trade data.  U.S. exports of beef and veal were slightly larger than a year ago, however exports remained small when compared to 2003. U.S. broiler exports were very strong in August.