New global rules for BSE-free beef
The World Organization for Animal Health has eased safety standards for BSE, or mad cow disease, according to NHK. I do wonder why Japan gave up the fight. I know this is going to make a lot of people very angry. NHK continues:
The decision could prompt the United States to push harder for Japan to ease its conditions on allowing US beef imports.
Under the new rules, the animal health body, also known as OIE, allows the trade in cattle aged 30 months or younger that are confirmed to be BSE-free. The rules say beef-importing countries can ask exporters to carry out thorough inspections for the disease if necessary.
At its annual meeting in Paris on Wednesday, the OIE changed the rules to allow trade in cattle aged 30 months or younger that have passed visual checks.
The decision apparently reflects the wishes of the United States and other beef exporters, as it would not allow importers to call for stricter BSE tests. Observers say the decision could prompt the United States to urge Japan to relax its conditions for beef imports, which are tighter than the OIE's.
BSE/food safety previous
The decision could prompt the United States to push harder for Japan to ease its conditions on allowing US beef imports.
Under the new rules, the animal health body, also known as OIE, allows the trade in cattle aged 30 months or younger that are confirmed to be BSE-free. The rules say beef-importing countries can ask exporters to carry out thorough inspections for the disease if necessary.
At its annual meeting in Paris on Wednesday, the OIE changed the rules to allow trade in cattle aged 30 months or younger that have passed visual checks.
The decision apparently reflects the wishes of the United States and other beef exporters, as it would not allow importers to call for stricter BSE tests. Observers say the decision could prompt the United States to urge Japan to relax its conditions for beef imports, which are tighter than the OIE's.
BSE/food safety previous
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