February 1, 2005

Canada plans to allow more imports of U.S. beef

Canada plans to allow imports of U.S. cattle born in 1998 or later and meat from cattle of any age that have had brains, spines and other mad cow risk materials removed, officials said on Monday.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it would accept comments on the new rule for the next 30 days.

Canada temporarily banned some imports of U.S. cattle and beef after a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, was found in Washington state in December 2003.

The ban kept out meat from cattle over 30 months of age, but allowed young live animals destined for slaughter.

In April, Canada said it would loosen the ban to allow more kinds of meat, such as bone-in beef and hamburger.

The agency said its latest rules were based on guidelines set by the world animal health body, the Office International des Epizooties.

Officials are also working on an import policy to cover other countries that have reported cases of the disease.

Canadian cattle and beef have been shut out of most export markets since the country reported its first homegrown case of the disease in May 2003.

Canada also said it would loosen restrictions on imports of U.S. feeder cattle destined for slaughter -- imports that historically were hampered by requirements to test for the bluetongue and anaplasmosis cattle diseases.

The restrictions have long been a trade irritant for U.S. rancher groups. Canada first announced changes to its policies for controlling the two diseases last March.