Japan Again Lifts Ban on U.S. Beef Imports

Japan announced the resumption of U.S. beef imports, ending a ban imposed because of concerns about mad cow disease and removing a strain in relations with Washington.

The U.S. ambassador immediately welcomed the move, which reopens Japan’s lucrative market to a select list of U.S. meat exporters, saying it resolved an issue of primary importance to the United States.

Japan originally imposed the ban in December 2003. It was lifted late last year, only to be reimposed in January after inspectors found prohibited animal parts in a veal shipment from New York. It was lifted again after Japanese representatives toured U.S. facilities to ensure they met safety guidelines.