The public comment period on Japan’s risk assessment of US beef has ended and, according to a statement released by the American Meat Institute (AMI), the Japanese government is now expected to announce the conditions for the importation of US beef.

The Japanese Risk Assessment concluded that the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from US beef is extremely low and comparable to that of Japanese beef.

Meanwhile, AMI officers have held a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to the US, Ryozo Kato to encourage the government of Japan to move quickly in implementing the Food Safety Commission's recommendations before the end of the year. Ambassador Kato stated that the Japanese market will reopen in mid - December. AMI also discussed the need for the US and Japan to move promptly to re-examine the limited reopening for beef from animals under 21 months pursuant to Office of International Epizootics (OIE) guidelines as agreed upon by the US and Japan in October 2004.

While pleased with the Ambassador's assurance that US beef exports to Japan will be restored by mid-December, AMI President J. Patrick Boyle cautioned against declaring victory until full beef trade is restored. "We are gratified that an expert panel has acknowledged the safety of US beef, but we must all remember that full restoration of trade, not a limited market reopening, is justified under international standards," he said.