August 22, 2007

EU may relax ban on British meat imports

The European Union is considering an ease to its ban on meat from the United Kingdom as the country is making "positive" progress in dealing with its foot-and-mouth-disease outbreak.

UK was declared a "high-risk zone" for meat and livestock earlier this month, following an outbreak of the highly contagious disease at two farms in Surrey, southeast England.

The meeting of EU veterinary experts on Thursday (August 23) is hoped to designate a low-risk zone in UK to allow British meat and dairy exports while retaining the livestock ban.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, will make a recommendation to the EU experts' meeting, following discussions with Britain on the latest situation, according to EU Health Commission spokesman Philip Tod. 

The current import ban is due to expire on Friday (August 24).