01/23/06 USDA reacts to new Jap beef ban

American Rancher January 23, 2006 The company whose meat shipment prompted a new ban on all U.S. beef imports by Japan Friday, was quickly de-listed from exporting to Japan by the USDA. Atlantic Veal and Lamb of New York included backbone material in a shipment of veal and spinal material is not acceptable under the agreement re-opening Japan's market to U.S. beef. A USDA employee could also be in hot water. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns: Johanns: "We will take the appropriate personnel action against the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service employee who conducted the inspection of the product in question and approved it for shipment into the Japanese marketplace." In addition to an investigation, Johanns announced that USDA will require double approvals on any shipments, will conduct unannounced inspections of plants approved to export and immediately sent a team to Japan to reinspect all U.S. beef that has arrived in Japan. There will also be more training for U.S. inspectors. U.S. beef industry officials like Phil Seng of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, don't expect Japan's total ban to last long. Seng: "Because they have indicated it is temporary I think what they will be doing is looking for more information. As that information is provided I think we would hopefully see they will be lifting this temporary ban very, very soon." I'm Bob Hoff.