Japan blocks EU report on BSE risk

19 June 2001



Japan blocks EU report on BSE risk

By FWi staff

A EU report on the potential of a BSE outbreak in Japan has been blocked by the Japanese government, reports the Financial Times.

The Japanese object to the assessment method and the use of some data obtained independently by the EU.

EU meat and bonemeal were imported into Japan until quite recently, and this latest move highlights growing concerns about imported foodstuffs.

The report by the EU Commissions scientific steering committee concludes that while there is no evidence of BSE in Japan, it cannot be ruled out.

Japan already inspects cattle which die from any disease to monitor for BSE.

• Poor MBM data hamper BSE survey, FWi, 9 February 2001
• Food agency keeps BSE controls, FWi, 14 December, 2000
  
• Financial Times, 19 June, 2001, page 16