BSE Regulations: US Could Lift Beef Import Ban
ANALYSIS - After years of restricted import markets, last week, the USDA said it is looking to modernise its import regulations for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This could allow the imports of products which are currently restricted, writes Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite editor.
15 March 2012
2 minute read
New regulations would see the US operating in line with World Organisation for Animal Health's (OIE) guidelines, which are based on the latest science and current knowledge concerning BSE.
The OIE provides guidelines for the safe trade of animals and products based on the country’s risk status and the risk presented by the specific item being traded. For example, under the Code, boneless beef is considered to be lower risk and could be safely imported regardless of the BSE status of the exporting country.
Pressure on the USDA to amend the regulations has been increasing over recent months. Earlier this year, a group of 31 senators pressed the USDA to develop a comprehensive rule, saying that by not having such a regulation in place the US is failing to lead by example and is not abiding by scientific standards.
The US beef industry has welcomed the proposal, saying that current BSE import regulations are hindering trade negotiations and putting US exporters at a disadvantage.
The US National Cattlemen's Beef Association said that some nations, who are limiting or preventing imports of US beef, are using the fact that the US does not have a comprehensive BSE rule, to justify unfair trade barriers.
Trading partners are also encouraged by the USDA's announcement.
Despite already having a strong trade relationship with the US, Canada has welcomed the USDA's proposal and believes that this approach underscores the commitment on both sides of the border to responsibly manage BSE, without placing unnecessary restrictions on trade.
With EU beef exports to the US being banned since 1997, the UK National Beef Association (NBA) has said that the proposal is very encouraging and is the first big step towards the ban being lifted.
Joanne Pugh, NBA Assistant Director, said: “It’s not just that the USA would be an interesting new export market for British beef, it’s the acknowledgement by yet another country that beef from the UK is some of the safest beef in the world."
Last year, 37 non-EU countries opened their doors to British beef.
Irish Agriculture Minister, Simon Coveney has said that the proposal will ultimately provide a tremendous opportunity for grass fed, Irish beef.
Brazil is also hopeful that revised regulations will see the start of Brazilian beef exports to the US.
