After initially announcing that the ban on beef imports from BSE-affected countries would be repealed, the government has backflipped, with Agriculture Minister Tony Burke yesterday announcing that any change in the standing import policy on beef would come only after a lengthy analysis of beef exports. Vocal opposition by Liberal, Greens and independent senators appears to have led to the reversal of the decision. Despite expert opinions that US beef is free of BSE, the opposition maintains it’s... ...Read more »

The Australian Beef Association yesterday told the current Australian Senate inquiry into Beef Imports that the majority of local beef producers will continue to oppose changes to Australia’s beef import laws. The Association said that relaxation of current import laws raised concerns of imports being affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) (Mad Cow Disease). As European countries began reporting outbreaks of BSE in 2001, Australia had implemented blanket restrictions on beef imports.... ...Read more »

Australia is adjusting its imported food policy settings for beef and beef products, with controversial changes to come into effect from 1 March, 2010.An update of the science of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), mad cow disease, and consideration of the risks associated with importing the beef and beef products was undertaken by Professor John Mathews to guide the alterations. Professor Mathews’ report concludes that the risk to human health from imported beef remains extremely low,... ...Read more »

South Korea’s Agriculture Minister, Chung Woon Chun, has told a Korean television audience that the market for US beef will officially open next week. The minister sent a request to the Ministry of Administration to print the final protocol yesterday and this is usually a two to three day process. The issue of US beef imports has caused heated debate in South Korea with protests a common occurrence in the wake of the initial announcement back in April. South Korea banned US beef imports... ...Read more »