RP to resume US beef imports

WASHINGTON – The Philippines has lifted a two-month ban on the imports of US beef and beef products which it imposed because of concern over mad cow disease.

Under an agreement announced on Thursday, the United States will now be able to export boneless beef from cattle not older than 30 months to the Philippines valued at $2.5 million.

"I am very pleased with the reopening of the Philippine market to US beef and beef products, which demonstrates their commitment to trade based on internationally accepted scientific standards for human and animal health," said US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

 The Philippines imposed the ban last June following the discovery of a second confirmed case of mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States.

In 2003, US exports of beef and beef products to the Philippines were valued at $4.9 million.

But after the discovery of the first BSE-infected cow in the United States in December 2003, the Philippines adopted measures to restrict imports of certain types of beef, while allowing imports of boneless beef from cattle not older than 30 months.  

The age restriction was imposed because younger animals are believed to present less of a risk as infection spreads with age.

A statement from the office of the US Trade Representative said the Philippines was provided with all the information it needed to come to the conclusion that US control measures assured the safety of American beef.