Date-based exports shape up nicely

04 May 1999

Date-based exports shape up nicely

BRITISH beef will be exported under the date-based export scheme on a wider range of export markets by mid-July, reports The Herald.

The scheme is based on the principle that, since August 1996, cattle could not have been infected with BSE through feed.

European Union inspectors are apparently happy with the British Cattle Movement Service passport system which tracks those cattle, says the paper.

The inspectors are also happy with the thoroughness of other regulations and the relatively small number of farms that had failed to meet new standards.

Robert Forster, of the National Beef Association believes that beef exports will be discussed at the June meeting of the Standard Veterinary Committee.

A positive recommendation for Britain to resume beef exports could then be passed to European agriculture ministers in July.

Mr Forsters optimism is supported by news that the Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn is prepared to order beef from Granville Meats in Northern Ireland.

• The Herald 04/05/99 page 23