Written question asked by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2012. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

BSE: USA

Question: (5) what discussions she has had with EU officials on the likelihood of the US lifting BSE trade barriers.

Answer: DEFRA works with the food and drink industry, and other Government Departments, to take full advantage of the potential for growth through overseas trade, including by identifying global market opportunities and barriers to exports. Last year, the growth in the beef export trade approached 15% in real terms.The retail market for beef in the United States is currently estimated at around $74 billion (£44 billion) and imports are valued at some $1.4 billion (£0.84 billion).The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a proposed rule on BSE and imports of bovine animals and their products in the Federal Register on Friday 16 March. The summary to the proposed rule states that the changes, if implemented, would continue to guard against the introduction of BSE into the US, while allowing the import of additional animals and animal products.DEFRA welcomes the publication of the proposed rule. We are enhancing our work with partners, including industry, the European Union and our Washington embassy, as well as the USDA directly, to develop and take forward our views.

Secondary information