February 3, 2006

Mexico relaxes ban on Canadian beef

Mexico agreed yesterday to accept bone-in cuts of young Canadian beef, three years after the mad cow disease first surfaced in Canada.

Previously, Mexico only permitted imports of boneless beef from animals under 30 months of age as they were at lower risk from mad cow disease.

Mexico's decision brings the country closer to resuming normal trade with its second largest trading partner and will bring improved value to its consumers, said Ted Haney of the Canada Beef Export Federation.

The change is expected to bring increased beef shipments worth between US$20 million to US$30 million.