FDA Opens Import of Japanese All-Age Beef Based on Scientific Analysis
Deputy Director Lin Jin-Fu of the FDA stated that relevant risk assessments and factory inspection reports have been published on the FDA's website, ensuring transparency. He noted that, following risk evaluation and analysis, the exposure risk is just 1 in 150 million people. This decision was made after a thorough review process considering all risk factors.
The FDA indicated that 1.4% of beef consumed domestically is imported from Japan, with the last case of BSE in Japan recorded in 2009. The World Organization for Animal Health has deemed Japan a country with negligible risk, confirming that all ages and parts of the cattle are safe.
In order to safeguard food safety, the FDA emphasized the completeness of its risk analysis process, which included three expert meetings and a factory visit to Japan in October 2022. These evaluations were based on scientific analysis to uphold the strictest food safety standards.
