Because the major supermarket chain has not secured a large supply of U.S. beef, the meat initially will be sold only once a month at 205 outlets, Daiei said Tuesday.

Under Daiei's safety guidelines, only meat from cattle whose age can be confirmed will be sold. The company also will only deal in meat whose distribution process has been documented.

In accordance with a bilateral agreement, Japan currently imports U.S. beef only from cattle aged 20 months or less to safeguard against mad cow disease, formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Daiei outlets will sell the American beef for ¥188 per 100 grams. The company will consider purchasing more U.S. beef and increasing the number of sales days.

Source: The Japan Times