Brussels, 27/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - The United States is now asking importers of animal products for certificates guaranteeing that the country of origin is free from the mad cow disease and the human variant of the disease. Resolved to step-up border protections against BSE, the American Agriculture Department is considering extending the new rules to all beef, goat and sheep. The new American provisions provide for importers stipulating the origin of the animal, the herd to which it belongs, the conditions by which it was processed and carried. The animal produce targeted includes processed proteins, fats and oils, meal, fish meal and pet food. Cosmetics, soap and candles, that have no contact with either cattle or meat meal may continue to be imported without restrictions.
The legislation thus strengthened is applicable immediately and will last for three years. The American Agriculture Department has, moreover, asked the public to express its opinion on whether or not to ask for guarantees from the countries considered as free of BSE. The United States, that, to date, has recorded no case of mad cow on its territory, has banned animal meal since 1997.