TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Food and Drug Administration is preparing to end age limits on beef imported from Japan, reports said Wednesday.

Current measures ban the import of beef from cattle older than 30 months, a result of mad cow disease being prevalent in Japan in the past. Taiwan first banned all Japanese beef in 2003, but partially lifted the ban in 2017.

The changes will align the regulations for beef from Japan with rules for similar imports from the US and Canada, per CNA. However, before the ban can be lifted, there will be a discussion period lasting 60 days.

The imported beef will still have to adhere to strict rules, with certain parts of the cow not allowed to be used. The animals must be treated at certified abattoirs, and the meat products will have to carry the seal of a veterinary official.

The Food and Drug Administration said it would apply the most stringent rules of hygiene to review the import of beef products from Japan.