Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 3/1/10

Australia has lifted a nine-year ban on imports of beef from countries where cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy occurred, but new protocols will prevent new beef imports from arriving for several months, according to a report by the Australian.

New rules require exporting countries to apply for permits, each of which will take 20 weeks to process, the report said, adding that Australian regulators can send inspectors for in-country audits that would prolong the waiting period.

None of the countries affected by the ban have applied, according to the Australian.

"It will take quite some time for the classifcations to be completed and for any new products to be returned to the market," Tony Beaver, executive director of Food and Beverage Importers Associations, was quoted as saying.

Australia imposed its ban in 2001 following several cases of BSE.

Under the new rules, only imports of muscle meat, or products of muscle meat, that is not infected with BSE will be allowed into Australia. Fresh beef also must receive clearance from Biosecurity Australia.

Australia also is requiring exporters to meet or exceed that country's traceability standards.

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