Some progress in BSE discussions with Japan (May 24, 2004) Lean Trimmings
Edited by Kiran Kernellu via FSNET:

U.S. and Japanese officials ended two days of BSE Technical Working Group discussions last Wednesday. Press reports indicate that the two nations are still unresolved on certain issues. Notably, there was no agreement on a common definition of SRMs (Specified Risk Materials).

Dr. Peter Fernandez led the U.S. delegation, and called the meeting ‘an important first step in restoring beef trade between our two countries,’ but said the two nations disagreed on some areas, according to a Meatingplace.com report. Fernandez relayed that scientists exchanged ‘frank and open’ views on
testing and other controls for the disease. ‘We found many areas where we are in agreement and some areas where further discussion is needed,’ Fernandez said in a statement.

U.S. scientists toured a slaughterhouse in central Gunma prefecture (near Tokyo) on Tuesday. Fernandez called the tour ‘a valuable opportunity for our team to see first-hand the SRM removal and testing procedures that Japan has implemented.’ He added that the visit was followed by a day and half of
meetings in which the Working Group was able to openly discuss the areas of main importance, including the definition of BSE, SRMs, surveillance, feed bans and country risk categorization. ‘This meeting has been very productive and provided a good start to this process. We look forward to continuing our
discussions next month when we host the next meeting in the United States,’ Fernandez added.

‘Both countries have their own systems and scientific reasons behind [their BSE policies], and today we made a big step in understanding some of each others’ technical reasoning,’ said Akira Miwa, Deputy Director General of Economic Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, while addressing reporters last
Wednesday. Miwa added that the meeting did not aim at negotiations but rather to explain Japan’s policy. Reuters also reported that no new demands were made during discussions. The Working Group will hold its second meeting in the U.S. from June 28-30, and its third in Tokyo from July 21-22.