Japan eases restrictions on Irish beef imports

Japan has resumed beef imports from Ireland ending a 13-year ban, which was imposed following an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The announcement was made during a major trade mission to Japan, led by Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny accompanied by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.

With this development, the short-term financial impact for Irish beef is estimated to be worth between €12m and €15m with potential for growth in the future, according to Irish Food Board Bord Bia.

Kenny said: "It is clear that the agri food sector is a significant driver of economic growth and employment in the Irish economy.

"With Food Harvest 2020 we have established a vision for the sector, which is being delivered on through a positive and collaborative approach from Government, farmers and industry."

He added that this is another key milestone for the Irish agri food sector, and the beef sector in particular and is a further vindication of Ireland’s focus on quality and sustainability.

Coveney stated that the decision to allow access for Irish beef to Japan was very significant, and reflected Japanese confidence in the integrity of Irish food safety systems and in the quality of Irish beef.

"Japan sets a benchmark for food safety standards, and for that reason access for Irish beef is very significant from a reputational point of view," Coveney added.

Scientifically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Mad cow disease damages the central nervous system in cattle, and people who consume the contaminated beef can develop a progressive type of dementia.

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Image: Japan imposed ban on Irish beef following an outbreak of Mad cow disease in 2000. Photo: courtesy of Koos Schwaneberg.