Japan, U.S. hold beef import talks

TOKYO - Japan and the U.S. began a two-day meeting on U.S. beef imports Wednesday to exchange views as the U.S. calls for an easing of Japan‘s tough import restrictions.
In May, the World Organization for Animal Health ruled that the United States was a "controlled risk nation" — a country that can export beef from cattle of any age. The U.S. has cited that report in urging Japan to review its policy.
Japan is also expected to submit an interim report on its own study of mad cow disease detected in cows 21 and 23 months old in the meeting of agriculture officials of both countries, according to Katagai. Japanese foreign ministry and health officials also take part.
Japan banned American beef imports in December 2003 after the first case of mad cow disease — or bovine spongiform encephalopathy — was found in the U.S.
Tokyo eased the restrictions again last July, but allowed only meat from cows 20 months old or younger to enter Japan. Japan also bans meat with certain bone or spinal material attached.