EU and US discuss end to beef import ban

EU Health Commissioner David Byrne has reportedly met a US trade representative in Dublin to discuss the possible ending of the EU ban on imports of US beef produced with the aid of growth hormones.

The US has implemented $200m (€298m) worth of trade sanctions against the EU in retaliation for the ban.

Reports this morning said Mr Byrne met US official Robert Zoellick last night to discuss the establishment of clear regulations governing EU-US trade, especially in the veterinary area and in the area of testing and labelling.