The Japanese government will raise fines for smuggling pork and other meat products into the country on Wednesday as part of its efforts to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever, or ASF.

Fines for individuals will be tripled to as much as 3 million yen, or about 28,000 dollars. Penalties for corporations will be raised to 50 million yen, or about 470,000 dollars -- 50 times higher than the current level.

When cooking steak at home, lean meat is a recommended choice.

Parts labeled as "beef round" ("momo") or "rump" ("rampu") are lean meat fit for steak. While the round is simple and light, the rump covering the hip to the rump is richer and softer.