Japan Minister Says Worried About More BSE (Mad Cow) in U.S.

[DuctapeFatwa]

Japan's farm minister on Tuesday expressed concern about the possibility the United States might discover new cases of mad cow disease, and reiterated Japan's stance that it would not resume imports until it was sure of the safety of U.S. beef.

"It is in fact our wish to resume imports at an early date, but the condition for this is that we are sure of the safety and security of (U.S. beef)," he said. A report released by the Agriculture Ministry on Monday said there was no guarantee that other cases of mad cow disease would not be discovered in the United States.

The report was based on a study conducted by a Japanese fact-finding delegation, just back from a trip to North America.

Referring to the report, Kamei said, "I am worried about (new cases of U.S. mad cow)."

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/reuters20040119_421.html

[J B]

1. Just as I predicted.

That UPI report can't have helped assuage their fears.

[JaySherman]

2. Looks like I'm safe.

I only eat on average maybe 1/2 a pound a week, but it's nice to know I don't have to worry about it here.