June 25, 2007

Taiwan lifts ban on Canadian beef imports

The Taiwanese government has said it would lift a four-year-ban on Canadian beef.

Taiwan has banned Canadian beef since May 2003, following the discovery of Canada's first known mad cow case.

Only boneless meats from cattle under 30 months old, with brain and spinal material removed, would be allowed

The decision was made after Taiwanese inspectors concluded that Canadian beef is safe from mad cow disease.

Before the ban, Taiwan was Canada's fifth-largest beef export market.

Canada has had 10 reported BSE cases since the country's first discovery in 2003.

Taiwan has allowed US beef imports since January last year.