APHIS Final Rule Allows Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan
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The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective December 12, 2005 at 11:30 am, in order to allow under certain conditions, the importation of whole cuts of boneless beef from Japan.
APHIS is taking this action in response to a request from the Government of Japan and after conducting a risk analysis and considering public comments. APHIS' action is intended to allow the importation of beef from Japan while continuing to protect against the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalophathy (BSE) into the U.S.
According to APHIS, this final rule adopts without change an August 2005 proposed rule on allowing certain beef imports from Japan. (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/23/05 news, 05082399 2, for BP summary of the proposed rule.)
Highlights of Conditions for Importing Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan
In its final rule, APHIS states that its analysis of risk indicated that whole cuts of boneless beef that are derived from cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in Japan, could be imported into the U.S., provided that the following conditions are met:
The beef is prepared in an establishment that is eligible to have its products imported into the U.S. under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the regulations in 9 CFR 327.2, and the beef meets all other applicable requirements of the FMIA and the regulations thereunder (i.e., 9 CFR Chapter III), including the requirements for removal of specified risk materials and the prohibition on the use of air-injection stunning devices prior to the slaughter on cattle from which the beef is derived.
The beef is derived from cattle that were not subjected to a pithing process at slaughter; and
An authorized veterinary official of the Government of Japan certifies on an original certificate that the above conditions are met.
See APHIS' final rule for a discussion of the comments received in response to the August 2005 proposed rule.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/13/05 news, 05121399 1, for BP summary of Japan's decision to reopen its market to certain U.S. beef imports.)
APHIS Contact - Dr. Gary Colgrove (301) 734-4356
APHIS Final Rule (D/N 05-004-2, FR Pub 12/14/05) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-24057.pdf