By Jane Han
Staff Reporter

One of the biggest fears among mad cow scaremongers is their unwitting consumption of U.S. beef from processed food. But more major food distributors are promoting themselves as ``non-American meat sellers'' to prevent the loss of such cautious consumers.

``We have no plans to make patties out of U.S. beef during this time when public fear over U.S beef safety is so high,'' said Chung Sung-hoon, a spokesman of Lotteria, the nation's largest fast food franchise operating 740 chains. The burger joint claims it currently uses ``hanwoo'' (Korea's homebred cattle) and Australian beef.

Popular steak eatery Outback Steakhouse said it will also continue using imports from Australia to avoid building consumer fears.

The local sentiment against importing American cuts has significantly deteriorated over the past week, as the government announced it will let in U.S. bone-in beef older than 30 months, which have a higher risk of contracting mad cow disease.

Although inspected beef products will reach consumers by this month, domestic retailers and food businesses seem to be taking a passive stance in selling the controversial meat.

Major food suppliers like Shinsegae Food, CJ Fresnway and Our Home, which provide catering services for cafeterias in schools, hospitals and companies, said they won't switch over to U.S. beef until proper safety precautions are taken by the government.

``It won't be smart to make a hasty decision now because it can put the entire corporate image at stake,'' said a Shinsegae Food official. ``Besides, American imports are currently more expensive than those from Australia.''

He explained that U.S. cattle are fed grain, which is currently seeing soaring prices worldwide, so American beef products prices are consequently less competitive than those from Australia.

Domestic discount chains, including E-Mart and Lotte Mart, also continue to maintain a passive stance due to the growing pressure.

``Even those who want to sell are keeping a low profile because it may lead to unwanted attention,'' said a Lotte Mart official.

According to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries earlier this week, Seoul will apply the new import sanitation rules on May 15, subsequently starting sales of U.S. beef in the domestic market.

jhan@koreatimes.co.kr