Japan Beefs Up Stall Tactic
Forward progress on resuming U.S. beef trade with Japan delayed again Monday after commission produces no decision.
Compiled by staff
Published: Oct 25, 2005
All signs pointed toward a positive Japanese government panel ruling regarding resuming beef trade with the U.S. Instead, the Japanese Food Safety Commissions produced no decision in a meeting held Monday because some members could not attend and others brought up last-minute objections.
A few weeks ago a positive preliminary opinion stated that beef products from the United States were low-risk and it was expected the final rule would be similar to the draft. But two key panel members did not attend the meeting and others raised questions surrounding the stipulations Japan would place before resuming trade.
Panel members questioned whether the United States could maintain strict protocols on removing all specified risk materials safely and other procedures for guaranteeing that all beef shipped is from cattle under 21 months of age.
Meatingplace.com also reports that Yasuhiro Yoshikawa, chairman of the investigating panel, also warned that if "precautions are not strictly followed, the border could be closed again instantly at any time."
President Bush is scheduled in Tokyo on Nov. 15 for meetings with Japan's Prime Minister Koizumi. Recent news of the positive draft report had some believing the market reopening would be announced then. However, the panel is not planned to meet until early November, making an agreement difficult to announce on Nov. 15.
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