FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2005, 10:40 a.m. CT
CONTACT
Ashley Cradduck, 402-471-1970
Gov. Heineman Comments on Japanese Ruling
Regarding Safety of U.S. Beef
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman issued the following statement regarding the recent ruling of a Japanese panel on the safety of U.S. beef.
“I am extremely pleased to hear that Japanese officials have taken the first step towards re-establishing trade by recognizing the safety of U.S. beef,” Gov. Heineman said. “This is encouraging news for all those tied to beef production here in Nebraska, and I am hopeful that additional judgments based on science will follow in the weeks to come.
“This ruling is consistent with conversations I’ve had with Ambassador Kato. I have every confidence in our production system and will continue to advocate on behalf of Nebraska producers as U.S. officials work toward normalization of trade with this important market.”
The Japanese Food Safety Commission is expected to consider the matter at a meeting later this week, with an extensive public hearing process to follow before the ban on U.S. beef can be lifted.
