Gov. Heineman Comments on Japanese Food Commission's Approval of U.S. Beef Safety

Gov. Heineman Comments on Japanese Food Commission's Approval of U.S. Beef Safety

Gov. Dave Heineman said he is encouraged by news that the Japanese Food Safety Commission will move ahead with plans related to the reopening of the Japanese border to U.S. beef products.

The Governor met with Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato last week as he toured a Nebraska feedlot and beef processing plant. The Ambassador stated during his visit that he expected the commission to endorse the safety of U.S. beef.

"I was very pleased to see the commission follow through on this issue. This was the right decision and my hope is that it will help convince Japanese officials to take action sooner rather than later."

The Food Safety Commission approved a report written by a panel of its members that concluded U.S. beef is safe if proper production protocols are followed.

"This report echoes what we've known for some time here in Nebraska. Our producers have an international reputation for providing high-quality beef products, and the Japanese market is important to future growth of our agriculture industry. We are certainly looking forward to the final decision that will reopen the border."

http://gov.nol.org/news/2005_11/02_japan_food_safety.html