August 30, 2006

Greek officials destroy 7-year-old meat from Belgium

Belgium's government maintained that it did not violate domestic or European health regulations when it exported meat that was more than 7 years old to Greece.

State veterinarians in Greece Tuesday (Aug 29) were destroying more than 65 tonnes of frozen Belgian beef dating from 1999, while the Belgian government stressed the beef was still safe.

The most important factor is that the shipments cleared import inspections and have been declared safe for public health, an Agricultural Development and Food Ministry statement in Greece said.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Alexandros Kontos shifted the blame to the ruling government, asking why it had failed to change laws during 20 years in government.

Various groups have asked the Agriculture Minister to draft fresh legislation to put a two-year expiry limit on frozen meat.

More than 108 tonnes of the Belgian meat was imported into the country by local firms and 16 tonnes of the consignment have been distributed into the market.

The meat may not be dangerous, but it is 7 seven years old, Aristeidis Arkoudaris the prefect of western Attica, pointed out, and people would rather not have to taste it.