The Japanese Government yesterday (24 January) confirmed that a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been discovered in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Officials announced that a 64-month-old Holstein cow that died last week was infected with the disease, Japanese reports state.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The Agriculture Ministry said that the carcass would be destroyed, reassuring consumers that it had not entered the food chain.


The news comes just days after Japan reintroduced a ban on imports of beef form the US after prohibited spinal material, believed to present a higher risk of carrying BSE, was discovered in a shipment of US beef.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now