US in talks over beef exports

However, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is taking a soft line the probability of Japan agreeing to fully reopen its market to US beef during his visit this week.

"We believe we have a safe and quality product," Mr Vilsack told reporters after speaking at a food security meeting hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adding that he also acknowledged and respected the concerns of Japanese consumers.

When asked if he expected any deal to be agreed during his visit, Mr Vilsack said it was important to continue dialogue and build on the bilateral relationship.

He denied that there was US political pressure on Japan.

His Japanese counterpart, Hirotaka Akamatsu, who spoke at the same conference later, reiterated Japan's commitment to have food safety regulations based on scientific knowledge.

Japan was the biggest export market for US beef until BSE, was found in the US in December 2003, prompting Tokyo to impose a ban.

Tokyo resumed US beef imports in 2006 but limited them to meat from cattle aged 20 months or younger.

US exporters argue that has no basis in science and costs them billions of dollars in lost sales.