In order to meet increased beef consumption, the maximum age for cattle whose meat can be exported to Japan will rise from 20 to 30 months.
A panel of experts on animal health, organized by the Japanese Ministry of Health has approved an easing of restrictions imposed by Japan on imports of beef. According to the authorities the maximum age of slaughter of livestock for meat imports will increase from 20 months to 30 months, after considering that the cattle of that age poses no risk to human health.
American health authorities have lifted the restriction on the import of meat from the province of Patagonia, Argentina, in force since 2001.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (Procomer):
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture of the United States announced the lifting of the ban that was placed on beef imports from Argentina more than 13 years ago.