Washington, D.C. – Today Nefeterius McPherson, spokeswoman for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and Caleb Weaver, spokesman for the United States Department of Agriculture, issued a joint public statement following the conclusion of a technical working-level meeting between the United States and Japan regarding U.S. beef and beef products.
“Technical delegations from the Governments of the United States and Japan met in Burlingame, California, on September 14-15, 2010, for discussions on issues related to bilateral trade in beef and beef products.
“The discussions, led by Dr. John Clifford, Chief Veterinary Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Dr. Toshiro Kawashima, Director and Chief Veterinary Officer, Animal Health Division of the Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, covered a wide array of technical topics related to BSE, including: current Japanese regulations and regulatory processes, Japan’s risk assessment process for beef and beef products, and Japan’s import inspection and border measures. The Japanese Government also sought clarification of developments in the United States related to BSE surveillance measures, among other areas.
“The purpose of these working -level discussions was to clarify technical issues and address questions.”
