US beef goes back on the HK menu after mad-cow scare

Consumers in Hong Kong will soon be dining again on US beef as the government has allowed beef imports from the country to resume after banning them two years ago due to mad-cow disease.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced yesterday it would resume processing applications for beef imports from the US with immediate effect.

The ban was imposed on December 24, 2003, following a case of mad-cow disease in the state of Washington.

'After a thorough assessment and having satisfied ourselves with the enhanced control measures implemented by the US against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad-cow disease, we will partially lift the suspension of imports of US beef,' a department spokesman said.

At the initial stage, only boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age, with high risk parts such as brain and spinal cord removed during slaughtering, can be imported from designated establishments approved by the US.

'The import of each and every consignment of beef shall have the department's prior written permission and shall be accompanied by a health certificate,' the spokesman added.

Andrew Lee Tak-lun, restaurateur and owner of the Steak Expert chain, welcomed the news. 'We feel very happy about it. Many Hong Kong people love to eat US beef,' he said.