Meanwhile, South Korea -- a lucrative beef export market -- is calling for U.S. packers to segregate Canadian beef from U.S. products, as a condition for South Korea to lift its ban on U.S. beef imports. South Korea closed its borders to U.S. beef late in 2003 after the U.S. confirmed its first case of mad cow disease.
According to representitives of Canadian Beef Export Federation, Canada has been working to reestablish direct beef trade with South Korea. With its recent announcement to remove specified risk materials from animal, feed and pet food, they hope this will help the country get back on track to receive access in South Korea.
Prior to the closure of the border to Canadian beef in 2003, Canada exported over 20,000 metric tons, or nearly $100 million worth of beef to South Korea.