China has lifted a ban on deboned beef from Japanese cows under 30 months old, ending an almost 20-year long restriction on beef imports from the country.
The decision came as a result of severe meat shortages after the devastating outbreak of African swine fever in the country’s pig herds, and skyrocketing pork prices, according to a report by Reuters.
China’s customs and agriculture ministries said the ban was lifted on some Japanese beef after carrying out risk assessments, but quarantine and inspection requirements would be decided separately.
China has banned beef imports from Japan since an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 2001.
China will also begin allowing some imports of Japanese pork products.
