TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Thousands of Taiwanese have taken to the streets to protest a government decision to lift a six-year ban on imports of some kinds of U.S. beef.

Participants in the opposition-led protest Saturday demanded the government continue to ban bone-in beef, ground beef and offal, and renegotiate with the U.S. about beef imports to safeguard against mad cow disease.

Taiwan previously only allowed imports of boneless beef from the U.S., but decided last month to end the ban on the three beef cuts.

U.S. officials say American beef is safe, but some health experts say ground beef and offal may carry a higher risk of mad cow disease.

The U.S. is one of Taiwan’s biggest trading partners.

Copyright 2009 The AP.