Japan to Lift Ban on U.S. Beef Imports

Japan will lift a ban on U.S. beef imports next week, ending a two-year standoff over mad cow disease that has frustrated Washington, Japanese media reported.

Japan’s independent Food Safety Commission will recommend lifting the ban on the imports of beef from cattle up to 20 months old. The ban has cost U.S. beef producers $1.4 billion annually.

* Yum Brands Inc., operator of KFC restaurants, estimated that a six-week sales decrease in China stemming from concern over avian flu would cost the company about $15 million.