Press Release: BSE: Commission proposal to gradually lift restrictions on export of Portuguese beef backed by the Standing Veterinary Committee

On 8 March 2001 the Standing Veterinary Committee voted in favour of a draft Commission decision proposing a gradual lifting of the ban on Portuguese beef exports and allowing the resumption of certain exports under the strict conditions of a Data Based Export Scheme (DBES). Such exports to third countries and EU Member States of beef and beef products would be authorised after inspection reports have confirmed the correct implementation of the Scheme on the ground. Only de-boned meat from animals, born after 1 July 1999, between 6 and 30 months of age complying with the conditions of the DBES would be eligible for export. The ban on exports of live bovine animals from Portugal remains in place. The proposal will now be formally adopted by the Commission.