Japanese experiments on mice show that bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from cattle aged up to 23 months is not contagious. This finding could change attitudes on food safety and influence Japanese conditions on U.S. beef imports, according to Phil Seng, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Cut #1 :21 – “BSE, frankly, has to be… …so very important.”
The Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is preparing a report of the study to present to the Japan Food Safety Commission for consideration. Seng explains how the study could further develop in Japan.
Cut #2 :28 – “Number one… …in that regard.”
Seng says U.S. and Japanese technical teams will meet soon and then the Food Safety Commission will conduct its study and draw conclusions after Japanese elections in late July.
Cut #3 :28 - “I know the… ….render their opinion.”
Once the Food Safety Commission completes its study, Seng says USMEF will then be able to play a role in technical consultations to improve opportunities in Japan, historically the No. 1 market for U.S. beef.
Cut #4 :10 – “Now the question is… …in the technical consultations.”
The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, lamb, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.
– USMEF –
