SEOUL, May 29 (UPI) -- South Korea intends to resume importing beef from the United States June 6, an official at the Agriculture Ministry said Monday.
Park Hyun-chool, head of the ministry's livestock bureau, said the South Korean government, which inspected the 37 U.S. meat processing plants this month, will announce June 6 the list of U.S. meat processing plants that are qualified to export beef to Korea, the Korea Herald reported Monday.
Meat imports were banned because of two reports of mad cow disease in the United States.
"Announcing the qualified processing plants is tantamount to declaring the resumption of U.S. beef imports as it allows the plants to start shipping their beef," Park added.
South Korean media reported that U.S. senators are pushing Seoul to give access for all beef and beef products including bone-in beef.
However, Park emphasized that Seoul will stick to the agreement with Washington announced on Jan. 13, which permits imports of meat from cattle under 30 months of age, with the condition that parts regarded as risky, such as ribs, be removed prior to shipment.
