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British beef to hit US supermarket shelves after mad cow disease ban is lifted

British beef
British beef

British beef will be making its way onto US supermarket shelves from today following the decision by Washington to lift the ban imposed at the height of mad cow disease 24 years ago.

The first shipment, from Foyle Food Group in Northern Ireland, will be dispatched this morning, with further shipments expected to commence in the coming weeks.

Lifting the ban is expected to provide a £66 million boost for UK beef producers over the next five years.

However, ministers last night said it represented only the “tip of the iceberg” for farmers, adding that a free trade deal with the US would create a “host” of additional export opportunities.

Alongside expanding trade with America, the Government's 'Food is GREAT’ campaign is tasked with promoting British food and drink, such as beef, lamb, salmon, cheese, whisky, gin  and sparkling wine in China and Japan.

It comes after US officials lifted the ban imposed in 1996 earlier this year, following a series of inspections at British farms and abattoirs last summer.

Last night Environment Secretary George Eustice described the move as a “landmark milestone” that would mean more “people around the globe can enjoy our produce.”

Liz Truss, the International Trade Secretary, added: “This is a historic moment for British farming, and one which could bring an estimated £66 million opportunity for those who want to export beef to the US.

“This could be just the tip of the iceberg. We are seeking an ambitious and high standards agreement that benefits farmers and delivers for consumers.”

In March the US ban was finally lifted following years of negotiations between Government officials and industry experts.

It followed a series of audit inspections over three weeks in 2019 by the US Food Safety Inspection Service, which assessed a number of UK beef, pork and lamb facilities.

Last night Dr Phil Hadley of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board said: “We are delighted to see the first shipments of beef heading to the US today for the first time in more than 20 years.

“The US represents an important potential market for our red meat exports and today’s first shipment is the result of the land work and persistence of industry and government to bring about this crucial next step.

“This important milestone will bring a fantastic boost to the sector and we look forward to seeing more of our red meat served up on dinner tables across the US in the months and years to come.”