US Forces in Korea Reject Beef From Washington State

The U.S. armed forces stationed in Korea have decided to reject all beef raised in the U.S. state of Washington, where the first outbreak of mad cow disease has been confirmed.

On December 29, the U.S. army newspaper, Stars and Stripes, reported that the U.S. army has inspected the origins of the beef that is in its possession, in order to prevent the mad cow disease from spreading, but has failed to track down any beefs imported from Washington State.

The medical command of the U.S. army in Korea has banned on the usage of the beef imported from Washington State at the snack bar and mini restaurants in the camps. This newspaper reported that if the beef from Washington State is found in an additional inspection, it would be eliminated immediately. “We have not been supplied with beef from the mother country since the Korean government banned beef imports from the U.S. on December 24,” remarked the U.S. armed forces in Korea, adding, “Except the beef from Washington State, we will decide whether or not to permit beef imports from the other states.”

But, as the beef supply to the U.S. forces also has to go through the government quarantine, the additional inlet of the U.S. beef seems difficult to carry out unless the Korean government lifts the ban.

Ho-Won Choi bestiger@donga.com