December 1, 2004

Hong Kong Lifts Canadian Beef Import Ban

Hong Kong has lifted a 1½-year suspension on Canadian beef imports imposed after mad cow disease was detected in the country.

According to the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, it is now satisfied that Canada has improved its mad cow preventive measures. However some restrictions will remain.

Hong Kong will initially only resume imports of boneless beef from cows less than 30 months old that have had their brains and spinal cords removed during slaughter. Mad cow disease is commonly found in those body parts.

Hong Kong suspended Canadian beef imports on May 21, 2003.