The USA and Japan have made important first steps in their effort to expand US beef trade with Japan. Commenting on the progress US agriculture secretary Mike Johanns, said, "I have approved Japan's request to conduct additional audits of US beef processing plants. I have invited Japan to begin the audits as soon as arrangements can be made. This is part of Japan's verification that our process will provide them with safe beef products. In response, once the verification process is complete, Japan will discontinue its requirement of inspecting 100% of the boxes of beef shipped from US plants.”

He added: "The United States expects Japan, as well as all of our trading partners, to implement import requirements for US beef and beef products as soon as possible that are based on science and consistent with international guidelines, including those of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)."