02/20/06 Japan gets USDA report on veal shipment

American Rancher February 20, 2006 The Japanese government received a 475 page report Friday from the USDA on its investigation into the shipment of U.S. veal that prompted a renewed ban on U.S. beef by Japan. The shipment contained spinal material in violation of the agreement Japan made with the U.S. to reopen its market to U.S. beef in December of 2005. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says it does not appear anything nefarious happened, in fact just the opposite, the plant, since delisted, and the USDA inspector knew exactly what was being shipped. Johanns: "It pretty clearly indicates that they were just not connecting, as was the inspector, as to just what could be shipped into that Japanese market." Among the changes USDA is implementing are mandatory training for USDA inspectors and posted lists in all certified beef plants of just what they are authorized to ship to Japan. So, what next? Johanns: "Japan has indicated that after looking at the report may require some additional inspection of plants. That would be fine. We will work with them on that issue. So now it is a matter of working through the report with them and then go from there." USDA Chief Economist Keith Collins has said USDA expects Japan to reopen its market sometime in the second quarter but Johanns made clear there is no timeline. I'm Bob Hoff.