Despite the World Organization for Animal Health's classification of the United States as a "controlled risk" region for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Japan said it won't immediately ease restrictions on U.S. beef imports.
The "controlled risk" designation ostensibly allows countries to export beef regardless of the animal's age, though they aren't required to follow OIE guidelines. Japan currently only allows U.S. beef from cattle younger than 21 months of age, and, at least for now, is sticking to its own rules.
"This will not lead to an immediate change of Japan's import conditions," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki said, as reported by the Associated Press. "It is important to respond to this issue by taking concrete steps in line with scientific facts to ensure food safety and consumers' trust."
Japanese officials are in the midst of a two-week tour of U.S. meatpacking plants that export beef to Tokyo, inspecting each one to ensure they are complying with their current standards. (See Japan officials packing bags for tour of U.S. beef plants on Meatingplace.com, May 11, 2007.)
Source: Tom Johnston, Meatingplace.com