Memo: Food Safety: Commissioner Byrne meets US Administration

On 27 March 2001 David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, met the US Agriculture Secretary and representatives of the US Administration to discuss the current US ban on imports of animals and non-treated animal products from the 15 EU Member States. While no deadline was agreed for review of the US action, the Agriculture Secretary agreed to keep the situation constantly under review. Commissioner Byrne drew a distinction between the US reaction to FMD and the EU's ban on hormone treated beef. 'It is justified on the basis of scientific advice which confirms dangers for human health', he said, referring to the EU scientific report of May 5, 2000. FMD is not a danger to humans, and is present in only four EU Member States.

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