EU extends deadline for improvements to US testing procedures of hormone residues in meat

The EU’s Standing Veterinary Committee has accepted guarantees from the US that monitoring will improve and has stated that no import ban on beef labelled hormone-free will be imposed before 15 February.

Concerns regarding the accuracy of US labelling of beef as hormone-free has led to investigation, including a visit to the US last January.

The residue testing regime requires that meat and live animals imported by the EU must be monitored for substances having an anabolic effect, unauthorised substances, various veterinary drugs and contaminants.

The next inspection by European Food and Veterinary Office will be made in January 2000.