Japan is relaxing restrictions on imported beef from four countries including Canada, a decade after raising barriers amid the so-called mad cow disease scare.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced Monday that it will allow imports of beef from cows up to 30 months old, effective Feb. 1. The previous standard was to ban imports of beef from animals older than 20 months.

The Canadian government estimates the potential market value of beef exports to Japan will rise to between $140 million and $150 million a year, about double what they have been under the tighter rules. Continue…