Taiwan will not import controversial U.S. ground beef and beef offal, Department of Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang said Monday, even though they were to be allowed entry under a recent protocol signed by Taiwan and the United States on imports of U.S. beef and beef products. Yaung said measures will be taken to block the controversial products from entering Taiwan in three different places -- at the source, at the border and in markets. He stressed that in the latest market opening, Taiwan 'only allows the imports of beef and relevant products from cattle younger than 30 months, while banning the import of tonsil and the final section of ileum that are listed as 'specific risk materials.'' The government will also use its administrative power to block four controversial non-specific risk materials -- beef brains, spine cords, eyes and skull -- from entering Taiwan's market, Yaung noted. He stressed the government will strictly follow the principle of pursuing and ensuring the safety of imported U.S. beef, which has sparked concern among local consumers after the protocal was signed Oct. 23. The minister explained that the principles will be carried out through five different strategies, including checking whether required certificates, such as a U.S. quality system assessment (QSA) certificate, are attached to the import shipments. They also will involve recording detailed information of the imports; opening crates to conduct spot checks; performing safety examinations; and establishing links between animal quarantine and standard food checks. 