US renderers in $100m suit against tallow ban

15 August 1997

US renderers in $100m suit against tallow ban

US renderers are preparing a $100m-plus (£64m) lawsuit against the European Commission over its proposal to implement tougher meat safety rules which would end exports of tallow.

The new rules – which will stop abattoirs boiling down carcasses to extract tallow for products such as candles and painkillers – are due to come into force in January.

Other US industries affected are considering joining the legal action, which could significantly increase the amount of damages being sought.

The National Cattlemens Association called the European Union measures to control the spread of BSE as “crazy”.