EU commissioner’s South American visit raises red flag for beef imports

A VISIT by European Union Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht to Brazil and Argentina for talks raises a red flag for Ireland regarding South American beef imports to Europe, it was claimed yesterday.

European Parliament member Marian Harkin said the Russians and Americans will not permit the importation of Brazilian beef and have good reasons for these decisions.

The EU, however, has been far less demanding in regard to standards and traceability of food products.