 Citizens criticize Health Ministry for attempting to resume U.S. beef imports Farmers, workers, and consumers on August 11 made representations to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in opposition to its attempt to resume U.S. beef imports without requiring the U.S. to conduct BSE-tests on all beef cattle. Representatives of the National Campaign for Defense of the People's Food and Health and the National Federation of Farmers Movement submitted a letter to Health Minister Sakaguchi Chikara criticizing the government for trying to relax Japan's safety standards under U.S. pressure. Members of the New Japan Women's Association submitted to the ministry about 5,000 signatures calling for Japan's rigorous tests to be continued. (end) |