ID :
186760
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 17:20
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/186760
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Aussie beef not E.coli-infected: Japan
Australian beef is not to blame for a recent outbreak of E.coli in Japan, the Australian meat industry has confirmed.
Melanie Brock, regional manager for Meat and Livestock Australia, says testing shows Australian beef was not the source of the outbreak.
"The Toyama prefecture health authorities have confirmed following a thorough inspection that imported Australian beef was not the source of an incident of E.coli," Ms Brock said in a statement on Monday.
"The authorities continue to investigate other food consumed by the affected customers."
Twenty people fell ill, with 15 of them infected with the O157 strain of E.coli, in Toyama prefecture on May 6 after eating at a Korean-style barbecue restaurant in Takaoka.
The Tokyo-based operators of the since-suspended Gyu-Kaku chain, REINS International, said they suspected the infections may have been carried by beef imported from Australia.
"Australian beef has long been recognised by the Japanese trade and consumers for its strong safety record," Ms Brock said.
"Australian beef for export to Japan is processed under the veterinary supervision of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and is recognised internationally as being of a very high hygienic standard."
Melanie Brock, regional manager for Meat and Livestock Australia, says testing shows Australian beef was not the source of the outbreak.
"The Toyama prefecture health authorities have confirmed following a thorough inspection that imported Australian beef was not the source of an incident of E.coli," Ms Brock said in a statement on Monday.
"The authorities continue to investigate other food consumed by the affected customers."
Twenty people fell ill, with 15 of them infected with the O157 strain of E.coli, in Toyama prefecture on May 6 after eating at a Korean-style barbecue restaurant in Takaoka.
The Tokyo-based operators of the since-suspended Gyu-Kaku chain, REINS International, said they suspected the infections may have been carried by beef imported from Australia.
"Australian beef has long been recognised by the Japanese trade and consumers for its strong safety record," Ms Brock said.
"Australian beef for export to Japan is processed under the veterinary supervision of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and is recognised internationally as being of a very high hygienic standard."
