A beef-tracking system will go online Wednesday at retailers and specialized restaurants, completing the system's link from producers to consumers.

Under the system, domestically grown cows and those imported live are given a 10-digit registration number with which consumers can trace the background of the animal via the Internet.

The system was introduced in December 2003 as a response to the first case of mad cow disease in Japan in September 2001. Its goals are to improve management in the beef industry, prevent the disease from spreading and restore consumer confidence.

Until now, the tracking system covered only information at the production and meat-processing levels.

But the coverage expands Wednesday to retailers and restaurants that offer beef dishes -- probably the widest coverage in the world, according to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry.

Some 20,000 meat retailers will begin putting the registration number of the cow on packages of their beef products, or display such numbers on boards in their shops.

Some 10,000 eateries serving sukiyaki and "gyudon" beef dishes will also display the numbers. Some retailers will provide even wider information through a system developed on their own.

Supermarket chain Ito-Yokado Co. plans to launch a system that will provide more detailed information about cattle growers and meat producers.

Another leading supermarket chain, Aeon Co., will let consumers use computer terminals at 46 of its outlets to access the tracking system.

The All Japan Yakiniku Association will issue a certification mark for eateries that allow their customers to access the system.