March 9, 2010

Australia to conduct risk analysis on imported beef

Under high community and industry pressure, the Australian government has decided to conduct risk analysis on beef imported from BSE-affected countries.

The 10-year ban on imports from BSE-affected countries was lifted last week, much to the chagrin of several concerned parties.

The community wants to be assured that Australia will be retaining the best possible food safety standards, and this assessment was needed to give that reassurance, according to Agriculture Minister Tony Burke.

Prior to this, the government had rejected to conduct the import risk analysis, stating that beef was already being imported before the ban and that the protocols in place were sufficient to protect human and animal health.

The 24-month import risk analysis will include a formal process of community consultation and scientific examination, before import protocols are developed. Countries can then apply to export beef to Australia.

No applications to import beef have been received since the ban was lifted.

All countries other than New Zealand will be examined in the import risk analysis.