Australia has lifted a 22-year-old ban on the import of Canadian beef and beef products, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says.
Australia imposed import restrictions on Canadian beef in 2003, following the discovery of Canada’s first domestic case of mad cow disease.
The CIFA said Canada holds a negligible risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which means its beef production system is recognised internationally as safe.
“This regained access to the Australian market is a testament to the co-operation between the CFIA, the Canadian beef industry and our trading partners,” agency president Paul MacKinnon said.
The announcement on July 29 follows Australia’s relaxation of import restrictions on American beef.
Canberra had restricted beef imports from the United States since 2003 due to concerns about mad cow disease.
The ban was lifted in 2019, but restrictions remained on beef that was sourced from Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the US, amid concerns it could carry the disease.
Australia’s agriculture ministry said US cattle traceability and control systems had improved enough that Australia could accept beef from cattle born in Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the US.
– with AAP.
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