OIE classifies Canada as controlled status for BSE

[skcatlman]

The OIE released it's BSE classifications today Canada,the US and Japan have the same classification of controlled status for BSE. While the US has less reported positives the testing levels and regulations show Canada and Japan are dealing with the problem in a real way and not in denial about the true levels of BSE positives in the respective countries. This will open up more trade in beef between these countries.

 

[Oldtimer]

Except most the rest of the world doesn't go by the OIE...OIE, WTO,UN, NAFTA,GATT, all are a farce and nothing but a joke...

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Japan rules out immediate relaxation of U.S. beef import terms



Kyodo News

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 14:32 EDT



TOKYO — The government's top spokesman ruled out Wednesday an immediate relaxation of Japan's terms for the import of U.S. beef following a decision by the World Organization for Animal Health to allow the United States to export beef irrespective of cattle age. "This will not immediately lead Japan to alter its conditions for beef imports," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki told a news conference.



"It is crucial for relevant parties to take steps based on scientific grounds in line with the principles that the safety of foods must be ensured and that consumers' confidence can be secured," he said. What is particularly important is that experts at the Food Safety Commission, an advisory panel to the government on food safety matters, are able to conclude that imported U.S. beef does not pose a risk to human health irrespective of cattle age, Shiozaki suggested. He made the remarks a day after the 167-member Paris-based organization agreed to authorize the United States to export beef regardless of cattle age as long as specified risk materials, such as brains, are removed.



japantoday.com

 

[skcatlman]

OT you can't have everything one way. The canadian goverment stated today that US COOL proposal is a non-tariff trade barrier which can be fought and won at the WTO level. As we have the same BSE risk levels. So if they go ahead and prove to the WTO that this is an unfair trade practice it can open your borders for canadian cattle or result in sanctions by the WTO. That is the last thing your nation needs.
As for keeping the border closed there is no reason as we are rated the same for risk levels by the OIE. Remember the OIE is headed by a american. Rule 2 is a moot point and COOL being a non-tariff trade barrier means the US border will open soon the all classes of canadian cattle.
As for japan keeping it's borders closed to US imports if your USDA implemented the same standards as Canada for SRMs and feed ban rules you could get immediate acess. But that is something the USDA will have to decide. It certainly makes the Japanese market one of the targets for Canadian beef. We'll be happy to take your share while you guys try to work things out.
I just wonder how long will it take for the big packers to try to start shipping US cattle to Canadian plants to be killed so the resulting beef can be shipped to Japan.
Just because you view the WTO, OIE et al as a joke doesn't mean the rest of the world does.