Oman reopens borders to American beef

Oman reopens borders to American beef    Oman has ended its ban on all U.S. beef imports.
   “Oman recognizes that all U.S. beef and beef products are safe,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in a statement Monday. “This is another step forward in our efforts to reopen global markets for U.S. beef.”
   In 2003, the United States exported more than $61,000 in beef products to Oman. It is the second country in the Middle East to resume imports of U.S. beef. Egypt announced the reopening of its market to U.S. beef in March.
   In 2003, the United States exported about $7.5 billion worth of cattle and beef products. After the discovery of a cow infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow” disease, $4.8 billion worth of beef exports were banned. To date, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that it has recovered $1.9 billion of the banned market.