August 28, 2006

Switzerland to ban US beef next year

Switzerland may ban US beef starting next year as it shifts to conform to EU rules, Marcel Falk, spokesman for the Swiss federal veterinary office said Sunday (Aug 27).

Switzerland is a non-EU country but is taking up the regulatory reforms to cooperate more with the rest of Europe.

However, the move would only affect about 300 tonnes of US steaks and filets sold annually in the country, local media reported. American beef currently accounts for only about 3 percent of all Swiss beef imports.

EU has imposed restrictions on US beef due to the fact that it is a hormone-treated import. However, both Canada and the United States have both successfully challenged the EU deicision at the World Trade Organization.

The WTO authorised US and Canadian sanctions, who together impose about US$125 million of duties each year on European products.

In return, the EU permanently banned the use of hormone oestradiol 17b in meat products, along with five other growth-promoting hormones, including testosterone, progesterone and zeranol.

The WTO's arbitration panel is not expected to issue a decision until next year.

Switzerland currently allows the import of US beef as long as products from meat treated with hormones are declared and its residues no longer traceable.