| Posted May 20,
2005, as reported by just-food.com: It looks
as if the beef markets may finally be returning to normal
nearly a year and a half after a sole incidence of BSE
was discovered in the U.S. Oman and Egypt are both once
again accepting U.S. beef and Japan
has recommended allowing the importation of cattle, untested,
under the age of 21 months.
The US Department of Agriculture confirmed the Oman
lift May 11. “Oman's market reopening demonstrates
a commitment to trade in beef and beef products based
on internationally accepted scientific standards for
human and animal health,” said Agriculture Secretary
Mike Johanns. “Oman recognizes that all US beef
and beef products are safe. This is another step forward
in our efforts to reopen global markets for US beef.”
In 2003, the United States exported more than $61,000
worth of beef and beef products to Oman, the USDA said.
It is the second country in the Middle East region to
reopen its market to US beef. Egypt announced the reopening
of its market to U.S. beef in March.
In 2003, the United States exported approximately $7.5bn
worth of beef, beef products, cattle and other ruminants
and ruminant by-products. After the discovery of a BSE-infected
cow in the United States, $4.8bn worth of beef exports
were banned. To date, USDA estimates that is has recovered
$1.9bn of the banned amount.
|
