March 27, 2008

U.S. BEEF RE-INTRODUCED TO PHILIPPINE MARKET

U.S. beef, now available in the Philippines, was showcased on March 26 during a U.S. Prime Rib Trade Reception held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City.

            The Iowa Beef Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and the U.S. Embassy in Manila sponsored the event for the formal re-introduction of the U.S. bone-in beef to the Philippine market.

            Representatives from USDA/FAS in Manila and the USMEF Regional Office in Singapore joined U.S. meat importers and representatives from Cebu’s hotels, restaurants and media at the reception.

            Earlier in the day, USMEF Regional Chef Sabrina Yin conducted a U.S. Meat Food Service Seminar and Cooking Demonstration for hotel and restaurant chefs and/or kitchen staff.  Chef Yin gave an overview of the U.S. meat industry and demonstrated cutting and cooking techniques for various U.S. meat cuts and specifications.
  
            In May 2007, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) formally classified the United States as a controlled risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This status confirms that U.S. BSE regulatory controls are effective and that U.S. beef and beef products of all ages can be safely traded.  The classification was the end result of more than three years of research and substantial expenditure of USDA resources – both in terms of staff and budgetary resources.

            Recent bilateral discussions between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture resulted in an agreement to allow for importation of U.S. beef and beef products of all ages. Previously, imports of U.S. beef and beef products were restricted to boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age.

The Philippines was the first market in Asia to re-open to all U.S. beef products – most notably bone-in beef.  The scientific-based steps taken by the Philippine Government were greatly commended by USDA and the U.S. beef industry, who hope it will set a precedent for other countries in Asia to fully re-open their markets to U.S. beef.