SEOUL, South Korea (AP) A South Korean official says the country will restart quarantine inspections of U.S. beef imports suspended since earlier this month.

South Korea effectively suspended American beef imports in early August when it halted the inspections over mad cow concerns. That was after a shipment was found to contain banned parts. Without such inspections, the beef cannot be brought to market.

South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said today that it decided to restart the checks. That follows U.S.

inspections of four meat-processing facilities where shipments containing the banned parts originated.

South Korea shut its doors to American beef in December 2003 after mad cow disease was found in a cow in the U.S. It partially reopened its market last year.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-24-07 1304CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list