Saw this clip on Meat and Livestock Australia News. It has very interesting implications for trade with Japan. In particular note "...it will be necessary to review both the US beef import protocol (which stipulates beef must be derived from cattle under 21 months of age) and the BSE testing threshold for Japanese domestic cattle..."
Japan gets controlled risk status at OIE
29/05/2009
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has reportedly granted Japan “controlled risk” status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) during its recent meeting in Paris.
The new classification is expected to reassure Japanese consumers on the safety of Japanese domestic beef and further assist the expansion of Japan’s beef exports – an initiative that the Japanese government has been promoting as a part of its agricultural policies.
“Controlled risk” status deems that the country is safe to trade beef from cattle of all ages (except specified risk materials). Therefore, if Japan is looking to harmonise the new international status and its current import and domestic market requirements, it will be necessary to review both the US beef import protocol (which stipulates beef must be derived from cattle under 21 months of age) and the BSE testing threshold for Japanese domestic cattle (all cattle over 20 months must be tested).
Japan’s Food Safety Commission will need to review any proposed changes concerning import regulations. Its review process is expected to take some time.
Japan gets controlled risk status at OIE
29/05/2009
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has reportedly granted Japan “controlled risk” status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) during its recent meeting in Paris.
The new classification is expected to reassure Japanese consumers on the safety of Japanese domestic beef and further assist the expansion of Japan’s beef exports – an initiative that the Japanese government has been promoting as a part of its agricultural policies.
“Controlled risk” status deems that the country is safe to trade beef from cattle of all ages (except specified risk materials). Therefore, if Japan is looking to harmonise the new international status and its current import and domestic market requirements, it will be necessary to review both the US beef import protocol (which stipulates beef must be derived from cattle under 21 months of age) and the BSE testing threshold for Japanese domestic cattle (all cattle over 20 months must be tested).
Japan’s Food Safety Commission will need to review any proposed changes concerning import regulations. Its review process is expected to take some time.