June 21, 2006

Irish MEP tries to throw Brazilian beef out of EU

MEP (Member of European Parliament) Marian Harkin has urged the EU to ban Brazilian beef due to poor disease controls and traceability.

Speaking in the European Parliament, she pointed to a study by the Irish Farmers Association indicating there were totally inadequate foot and mouth disease controls, non-existent traceability, widespread environmental degradation and social exploitation.

In addition, the USA, Japan, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand have also banned fresh beef imports from Brazil.

Harkin questioned why the Food and Veterinary Office in the EU have continued to approve Brazilian imports in light of these developments.

She also added that in the current round of the WTO negotiations, there has been a steady erosion of the EU policy ensuring food security for EU citizens.

Harkin emphasised EU-produced foods are held to high standards, adding that the Food and Veterinary Office of the EU is obligated to maintain food safety in the EU.