Australia to lift beef ban
23/10/2009
The Australian government has said it will lift its ban on beef imports from the UK and other countries that have been affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
It says research shows that imported beef presented a very low risk to the public when proper safeguards are in place. However, countries looking to import must be prepared to undergo “rigorous risk assessment" by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.Simon Crean, Australian Minister for trade, said in a release: "The new arrangements will not affect the Australian food standard which requires that beef and beef products be derived from animals free of BSE. This standard will not change and current enforcement measures will continue to apply."
"As an added measure to ensure Australia's food supply remains among the safest in the world, Australian officials may conduct in-country audits before imports are permitted," Mr Crean said.
Share this story:
