Taiwanese lawmakers approve beef ban

As expected, Taiwanese lawmakers have voted to reinstate a ban on certain U.S. beef products over concerns with BSE.  Their action reverses an earlier deal the Taiwanese government had negotiated with the U.S.

After Tuesday’s vote, the American Institute in Taiwan—which is the de facto U.S. embassy on the island—slammed the move, saying it “disrespects both science-based standards as well as the findings of Taiwan’s own risk assessment.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says it is extremely disappointed that Taiwan has reversed its decision.

“In our view, the issues expressed by politicians in Taiwan have absolutely no basis in scientific fact and fly in the face of Taiwan’s own risk assessment,” says Gregg Doud, NCBA chief economist. “To suggest that there are any safety concerns related to U.S. beef is outrageous. 

 “This is a purely domestic political issue in Taiwan,” said Doud. “U.S. beef producers are sick and tired of being used as a political football.” 

The U.S. has exported record sales to Taiwan over the last three years, with beef exports valued at: $101 million in 2006; $107 million in 2007; and $128 million in 2008. “We’re on pace to set a record for the fourth year in a row in 2009, with $114 million in beef sales through October,” Doud says. 

Doud says NCBA is urging the Obama Administration to explore every available option to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

Two key farm-state senators are also criticizing Taiwan’s action.  Nebraska’s Mike Johanns urged Taiwanese officials “to rely on science-based International standards when making trade decisions.” Montana’s Max Baucus points out that “Taiwan’s own risk assessment, the World Health Organization and numerous other studies have all concluded that U.S. beef is safe—including ground beef, offal and process products.”