JAPAN-US-TRADE-BEEF

A customer tastes a sample of imported beef, under 30 months old from the US at a Ito-Yokado supermarket in Tokyo on February 16, 2013. The United States on January 28 welcomed news that Japan has eased restrictions on beef imposed due to concerns over mad cow disease, easing a decade-long row between the allies. US officials said that Japan -- formerly the largest buyer of US beef -- had agreed to allow the import of the meat from cattle slaughtered at up to 30 months old, higher than the earlier safety limit of 20 months. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)