Independent MEP Marian Harkin has accused the European Union of having double standards in banning British beef while accepting imports from Brazil where foot and mouth disease is endemic.

Marian Harkin said: “The decision to ban EU imports of fresh meat from Great Britain, where there has been one confirmed outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease, while continuing to import Brazilian beef where foot and mouth is rife in many regions, clearly exposes the double standards being operated by the E.U.

“Foot & Mouth disease is endemic in many regions in Brazil and with lax border controls between regions, there is regular cattle movement.  As long as the animal resides 90 days in an ‘approved’ region, regardless of where it came from, it can then be slaughtered and exported to the EU.  This situation is in full compliance with EU regulations. Yet we now have the situation where one herd is infected with Foot & Mouth, possibly from a vaccine destined for the Brazilian market, and the EU slaps a ban on all British beef.

“This policy is untenable and demolishes any notion of equivalent standards in beef production in the EU and Brazil.  The EU must ensure a level playing field for it’s farmers”, Marian Harkin concluded.