This week’s audio report from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) discusses Israel’s recent decision to reopen to US beef. This will be the first time the country has allow US beef imports since December 2003, when the first confirmed case of BSE in the United States led many countries, including Israel, to suspend imports of U.S. beef. Israel is one of the last countries to lift its BSE-related restrictions.
In the audio report, USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng discusses the challenges presented from the strict kosher slaughter and handling requirements Israel imposes on its beef suppliers, some potential opportunities in the market for some U.S. companies, and highlights the significance of another BSE-related market closure coming to an end.
On Friday, Jan. 15, South Africa also reopened to U.S. beef for the first time since 2003. USMEF is still examining the terms of this reopening.
Listen to the full report here:
USMEF Audio Report, Israel Reopening to US Beef