U.S. Meat Export Federation provided the following statement by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul:
"The USDA Food Safety Technical Team completed its visit to Korea and returned to the United States today. While in Korea the team met with officials of the National Animal Quarantine Service and the Korean Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. team believes that the meetings led to a better understanding of the concerns of both sides. During the discussion, the U.S. team expressed the shared commitment that food safety for the Korean public was of utmost importance. The U.S. team was fully satisfied with the Korean testing procedures for E.coli O157:H7. The U.S. team reiterated during the discussion that E.coli O157:H7 is a serious pathogen which exists worldwide. However, the risk from E.coli O157:H7 and other pathogens found in meat, including Listeria, can be eliminated by proper handling and cooking. The U.S. is committed to continuing discussions with the Korean Government to ensure that the U.S. trade in beef is not interrupted. USDA warmly welcomes the visit next week of the Korean technical experts to the United States for further investigation and discussion of these important issues."
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Web Site: http://www.spcnetwork.com/mii