Irish beef exports will resume to China following suspension in November
Beef shipments to China had been suspended following the confirmation in November 2023 of an isolated case of atypical BSE.
The resumption of access for Irish beef exports to China has been announced.
Beef shipments to China had been suspended following the confirmation in November 2023 of an isolated case of atypical BSE in a cow.
This was detected by the Department of Agriculture's surveillance programme. It did not enter the feed or food chain and posed no risk to human health.
Atypical BSE occurs sporadically in all cattle populations at a very low rate and is not considered a public health risk.
Ireland is internationally recognised as having the lowest possible risk status for BSE.
The suspension of access to the Chinese market was entirely precautionary and in line with a protocol agreed with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
The resumption of exports follows high-level discussions between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday.
Making the announcement, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said: "Negotiating the resumption of beef access has been a top priority for me since the temporary suspension last November.
"Utilising relationships that have been developed over recent years, my department has engaged at diplomatic, political, and technical levels to provide the scientific and technical detail needed to reassure the Chinese authorities of the effectiveness of Ireland’s BSE controls.
"China’s decision to resume Irish beef imports on the same conditions as before represents a clear vote of confidence in Ireland’s food safety systems and in the output of its beef sector."
Minister of State Martin Heydon said that this is a "great result" for the Irish beef sector.
"It is a testament to Ireland’s food safety standards and the strong bilateral relations we have developed with Chinese counterparts," he said.
"We will continue to work with the Chinese authorities to maintain and enhance our access to the Chinese market for Irish food and drink and I look forward to further developing trade in the coming years."
Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman has welcomed the announcement, but said that the renewal of access to this market "must be reflected in further price increases for farmers".
"We are always seeking access to as many markets as possible and the Chinese market offers very significant opportunities," Mr Gorman said.
"Given the nature of the case which brought about the suspension, there shouldn’t have been any delay in regaining access.
"Beef farmers will hope the formalities are concluded as quickly as possible and that trade will resume."
