Taiwan lifts ban on Canadian beef over 30 months old
Taipei, June 15 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to lift the ban on importing Canadian beef from cattle older than 30 months.
Taiwan previously only imported Canadian beef from cattle under 30 months old. It lifted similar restrictions on imports of U.S. beef from cattle over the age of 30 months on Jan. 1, 2021.
Due to the relatively long incubation period of mad cow disease, cows aged under 30 months are generally thought to be at lower risk of having the disease.
Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 27 issued an advance notice on lifting the ban and commenced a 30-day public comment period.
Given the proposal for lifting restrictions on Canadian beef has obtained Cabinet approval, the new rules will come into effect immediately, FDA Director Wu Shou-mei said at a press conference.
However, Taiwan will still ban specific risk materials for Canadian beef imports, including the brain, eyes and spinal chord among other parts, Wu added.
She said after the ban is lifted, Taiwan will randomly select batches of imports for inspection at a rate of 2-10 percent.
Focus Taiwan
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