Food safety fears linger over new EU states

LONG-STANDING EU members might be excused for taking a superior attitude to the 10 who came on board at the weekend.

Food safety was, and remains, a major concern surrounding the 10 newcomers. EU experts warn that concerns about dodgy sanitary conditions remain and say insufficient regulations are in place to tackle mad cow disease.

Back in November, the European Commission listed failings that included substandard hygiene in slaughterhouses and dairies as well as lax surveillance of veterinary practices.