WASHINGTON – Technical delegations from the United States and Japanese governments met in Burlingame, Calif., Sept. 14-15 to discuss issues related to bilateral trade in beef and beef products. The purpose of these working-level discussions was to clarify technical issues and address questions, said Nefeterius McPherson, spokeswoman for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and Caleb Weaver, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (U.S.D.A.)

Led by Dr. John Clifford, chief veterinary officer, U.S.D.A., and Dr. Toshiro Kawashima, director and chief veterinary officer, animal health division of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the discussions, covered a wide array of technical topics related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (B.S.E.) , including: current Japanese regulations and regulatory processes, Japan's risk assessment process for beef and beef products, and Japan's import inspection and border measures.


The Japanese government also sought clarification of developments in the U.S. related to B.S.E. surveillance measures.