EU blocks US call for WTO probe on poultry ban

The EU had blocked the US' request for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to investigate if the bloc's ban on US poultry imports violates global trade regulations.

The US filed a complaint against the ban in January, disputing the EU claim that the use of pathogen-reducing treatments poses a health risk. On October 8, US officials said they would seek a ruling from the WTO.

The EU halted imports of US poultry products in April 1997. If the EU lifts its ban, US poultry exports to the region would top US$300 million, said the National Chicken Council.

The European Commission said it applies the same rules to domestic and imported poultry and denies discrimination against the US.

Under the WTO's dispute rules, the EU can fend off the first US request, but it will be unable to block a second request, which is likely to come in November.