Yoshiyuki Kamei, minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, on Tuesday rejected Canada's request that Japan lift its import ban on Canadian beef.
Kamei conveyed the government's decision after being briefed by Canadian Agriculture Minister Bob Speller on measures that Ottawa will take to ensure the safety of Canadian beef, ministry officials said.
Kamei was quoted as telling Speller, "It is difficult to win public understanding" for lifting the ban.