Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns: Wait continues on trade with Korea

TSCRA Daily News Update, June 13, 2008

Wait continues on trade with Korea

Nearly a month has passed since the originally announced (May 15) date for reopening beef trade with South Korea. Due to protests and political unrest in Korea, the market opening has been postponed several times – with no clear timetable in sight.

Regardless of the age of the cattle from which it is derived, U.S. beef is approved for export under World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, and poses no health threat whatsoever to consumers.

However, five U.S. packers have announced a voluntary age labeling program for beef being shipped to South Korea, in an attempt to address safety concerns. The overwhelming majority of beef shipped to South Korea in the past was from cattle under 30 months of age, even though no age restrictions were in place prior to 2003.

Recent news reports have suggested that Korea is pushing for stricter measures than the voluntary labeling program – possibly a total prohibition on meat from cattle more than 30 months of age.

However, no changes have been announced to the terms the two countries agreed upon in April. This agreement proposes to open the Korean market to beef from cattle of all ages, as long as specified risk materials are removed.

This agreement is consistent with OIE guidelines.