‘Mad Cow’ Testing Will Be Expanded

Japan announced that it is expanding testing for “mad cow” disease to as many as 1 million head of cattle, a measure it hopes will eradicate the brain-wasting illness and restore faith in the country’s ailing meat industry.

Adopting strict European testing standards, Japan will target all cattle older than 30 months that are destined for human consumption, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said in a statement. The massive screening, to be carried out at 117 testing centers, begins next month.

Experts say such steps will not only improve food safety but should also nudge worried shoppers back to meat counters.