February 22, 2010

US beef industry backs new Australian BSE rules

The US beef industry has called on Australia to defy growing criticism and stand by plans allowing imports from disease-prone countries.

The Australian government intends to lift the import ban on beef from countries with previous mad cow outbreaks from the start of next week. It has triggered farmer protests and a Senate inquiry into the damage to Australia's international reputation and disease-free status.

But Steve Foglesong, from America's National Cattlemen's Beef Association, indicated he is supportive of the changes, and that things can be levelled out with science.

The BSE discussions took place in New Zealand, at a meeting of meat industry representatives from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and Mexico.