EU move to restrict beef from Brazil welcomed

ALYN Smith, the Scottish National Party member of the European Parliament's agricultural committee, has welcomed steps by Brussels to restrict access to the European Union by Brazilian beef, but still believes there should be a total ban.

Officials from the European Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) this week briefed the committee on new rules that become effective at the end of this month. Smith and several other MEPs have called for a total ban as there are serious question marks over Brazil's treatment of animals and control of diseases.

These concerns were highlighted last year when the Scottish Beef Cattle Association (SBCA) submitted a petition to the European Parliament calling for a ban. Smith then drafted a "written declaration", signed by other MEPs calling for action by the European Commission.

The details of the new regime will basically restrict imports to only 300 farms out of the 10,000 that produce beef. The FVO is due to inspect a random sample of the 300 farms, and if they are up to scratch will extend the approved list. Any failure is likely to result in a total ban.