Japan revokes embargo on Polish beef

Japan has decided to cancel an import ban on Polish beef, which had been in effect since 2001, Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. The embargo had originally been imposed after cased of the so-called mad cow disease (BSE) were recorded in Europe. It will be rescinded as of August 1. “Apart from France, the Netherlands and Ireland, Poland is one of very few European countries that are now allowed to sell beef on the Japanese market,” the statement said. The ministry stressed that the decision comes after several years of negotiations, diplomatic activity and especially the work of Poland’s Chief Veterinary Inspectorate.