Step Taken Toward Easing Beef Restrictions in Japan

The Wall Street Journal reports a significant step has been taken toward lifting beef restrictions that have been a sore spot in U.S. trade relations with Japan. A Japanese government advisory panel on food safety has agreed on recommendations about easing imports of U.S. beef. According to the panel’s report – raising the upper age limit on animals whose beef can be accepted for importation to 30 months would pose little risk and the impact on human health would be negligible. Japan currently accepts product from cattle 20 months of age and younger.