Smithfield Beef Imports Suspended By Japan

Smithfield Beef Group's Moyer Packing Co. plant in Souderton, Pa., has been suspended from exporting beef to Japan, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

FSIS's Web site didn't explain circumstances, but media reports indicate the action follows the discovery that a portion of a recent Tokyo-bound shipment contained beef from 21-month-old cattle.

Japan accepts U.S. beef only from cattle aged 20 months or younger on fears of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Japan's agriculture and health ministries said two Japanese importers recalled product after officials determined that 1.3 metric tons of the 17-metric-ton shipment was beef derived from 21-month-old cattle, according to the Associated Press. Some product may have been sold to Japanese consumers, officials told reporters.

A computer programming error reportedly caused the mishap.

USDA and FSIS officials could not be reached for comment.

Source: Tom Johnston on 1/14/2008 for Meatingplace.com