EU member states have decided to lift the embargo and remove all restrictions on the export of cows, beef and related animal products from Portugal.  

The embargo was adopted in November 1998 due to a high rate of BSE and inadequate management of the disease. Since the ban imposition Portugal has taken firm risk management action and the incidence of BSE has decreased as a result.

The decision to lift the embargo was agreed by the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health chaired by the European Commission. In the coming weeks legal formalities should be completed and published in the Official Journal, after which the decision will immediately come into force.

Share this story: