Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef From Japan

USDA-APHIS-PPDRegulatory Analysis and DevelopmentStation 3C71-Unit 1184700 River RoadRiverdale, MD 20737-1238RE: Docket No. 05-004-1 The National Cattlemen?s Beef Association (NCBA) has carefully evaluated the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed rule published in the Federal Register August 18, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 159 Page 48494-48500), titled, ?Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan.? The proposed rule would amend portions of the Code of Federal Regulations under 9 CFR Part 94. The NCBA appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on this important rule. Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the trade association of America?s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation?s food and fiber industry. It is important to re-iterate that the NCBA will not support finalization of this proposed rule until Japan has completed its domestic process and accepts beef from the United States. Until both countries can agree to World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, any beef product coming into the United States should meet the same requirements Japan has set for us.In addition, in a component of our analysis the NCBA has carefully reviewed the APHIS report Analysis of ?Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Risk to the U.S. Cattle Population from Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan.?Harmonization of Regulations: Elimination of Barriers to Trade with JapanWhile the process of reestablishing trade with Japan based upon the best available science is the focus of the USDA-APHIS rule-making, it is important to make reference to the requirement that Japan treat the United States in a corresponding manner. Given the components covered in the Japan risk analysis document coupled with the steps Japan has taken to prevent BSE since the first cases were identified, we National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) This comment is incomplete. The submitted comment exceeded the maximum number of characters allowed for this field.