Peru, Colombia drop mad cow beef ban

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Washington praised Colombia and Peru for lifting a ban on U.S. beef that was imposed during the mad cow scare.

In 2003, the United States exported a combined total of more than $4 million worth of beef and beef products to Colombia and Peru. The reopening of these two markets restores two-thirds of the market access for U.S. beef and beef products in South America.

"These openings represent progress in our efforts to reopen global markets for U.S. beef," Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Friday. "American producers are proud of our safe, high-quality beef products, and we value the opportunity to deliver our products to consumers in South America and around the world."

U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab said she anticipated "other trading partners to similarly make trade decisions in accordance with science-based

international standards."