"We are encouraged by the
interim breakthrough on U.S. Japan beef trade,
announced today by the governments of the U.S.
and Japan. U.S. negotiators are to be
commended for their perseverance in seeking a
restoration of trade.
We value the
Japanese market and look forward to the
opportunity to provide our beef products to
Japanese consumers in the near
future.
The U.S. has been a leader in
implementing preventive strategies to prevent
BSE in cattle more than a decade long before
any case of BSE was detected in a single,
imported cow in Washington State last year.
Indeed, the multiple firewalls that we have
established to prevent and contain the disease
if it did occur here have served us well.
Despite enhanced BSE surveillance, which began
in June 2004, none of the thousands of tests
that have been done have detected a single,
additional case of BSE in the U.S.
We welcome the full review of our cattle
and beef production practices by the Office of
International Epizootics that was announced
today. We are confident that upon the
completion of that review in July 2005, the
U.S. and Japan can reestablish full beef
trade.
U.S. beef is among the safest in
the world. While we believe our animal health
and beef safety systems are so comprehensive
that full restoration of trade is justified
today, we will work cooperatively to provide
the additional assurances necessary so next
summer, the Japanese consumer will have full
access to American beef that they have come to
value."
American Meat Institute Praises Interim Breakthrough on U.S.-Japan Beef Trade
Saturday, October 23, 2004
For more information contact:
Janet Riley SVP, Public Affairs 703-801-2238 jriley@meatinstitute.org |
David Ray VP, Public Affairs 703-850-5318 dray@meatinstitute.org |

