http://www.axcessnews.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=8203 The ineligible shipment of veal that was sent to Japan last month contained parts of the beef cow not permitted under the agreement between the US and Japan, but producers say the rules are confusing and difficult to understand. Japan responded by immediately halting all importation of US beef, prompting a USDA investigation in which US Agricultural Secretary, Mike Johanns addressed today in a press conference.
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Japan, once the biggest market of American beef and meat products, imposed a ban on American beef soon after the United States found its first case of mad cow disease in December 2003. The ban was lifted in December 2005. As a condition for resuming imports, Japan had imposed several restrictions -- beef must come from cattle younger than 21 months of age, and tissues that can carry mad cow disease, such as the backbone, brain, skull, eyes and other nerve tissue, must be removed.
The report, which totals 475 pages, establishes several facts surrounding the ineligible shipment, including noting that it posed no risk to human health. The report lays out the unique circumstances surrounding this shipment: it was the first shipment of veal sent to Japan; only two plants were certified to ship veal to Japan; and both of them were delisted before any other shipments were sent to Japan. In addition, veal had only recently been added to the U.S. export agreement with Japan.
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Japan has not said whether they will accept Johann's report willingly.
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Now, US farmers and beef processors are watch anxiously to see what Japan's next move will be.
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if more people knew how veal was produced they would throw up their lunch in disgust and dismay
mad cow anyone?