The EU veterinary committee has backed a European Commission call for a ban on US beef from June 15th, greatly increasing the likelihood that Ireland will be involved in a transatlantic trade war.
The embargo was recommended by the Commission after traces of hormones were found in 12 per cent of samples of US beef normally guaranteed to be free of them. The veterinary committee decision will mean an immediate strengthening of checks on US beef.
The EU imports annually 7,000 tonnes of American beef, supposedly free of hormones. Since 1989 the EU has banned imports of beef injected with six growth-promoting hormones, but the World Trade Organisation (WTO) deems this illegal.
Green MEP Ms Nuala Ahern welcomed the committee's decision. It was, she said, in the best interests of EU consumers.
Talks on the issue have made no headway. The US government has prepared a preliminary list of punitive sanctions costing $900 million (€840 million) to be imposed on certain EU products if the beef restrictions are not lifted by May 13th.
