August 29, 2007

EU ombudsman to investigate EC over Brazilian beef

The EU Ombudsman will probe the European Commission on its alleged failure to act to reports on non-existent standard prevalent in the Brazilian beef industry as reported by Food and Veterinary Office (FVO). 

Irish members of Farmers for Fairness in Europe (FFE), the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) and the Irish Cattle Traders and Stockowners Association (ICSA) lodged a complaint on behalf of all the constituent members of FFE earlier this summer.

The Commission must draft a response by November 30 to which the Ombudsman will base its full investigation.

ICMSA President Jackie Cahill said a great deal of thought and analysis had gone into the association's preparation of the formal complaint. He said their laments rest on two facts: by continuous beef imports from Brazil which was purportedly breached by EU; and EU's disregard on the risk assessment regarding animal health, particularly of foot-and-mouth-disease in Brazil.

Cahill also said the association had drawn attention to the attitude and stance of the US and Australian governments on this matter, stating that it felt unprocessed beef imports from Brazil pose an unacceptable risk.

The ICMSA chief is urging the Ombudsman to contrast that level of competence and care against the reckless attitude being adopted by the EU Commission. This matter will also push the Commission, for the first time, be required to detail the risk assessment procedures that it has carried out.