Brussels, 23/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU informed the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Monday 22 December 2008 that it is re-activating its appeals (DS 350 and 351) against Canada and the United States over hormone-treated beef. We are certain that EU legislation on hormones fully meets WTO rules and the restrictions on hormone-treated beef are based on solid scientific evidence on the health risks to human beings, explained Peter Power, spokesperson for EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton. The EU accuses Canada and the United States of issuing sanctions against the EU that do not comply with WTO rules, in retaliation against restrictions on EU imports of beef from Canada and the United States. The WTO Appeals Body ruled that the US reprisals against imports of Dijon mustard, truffles, Roquefort cheese and other products are legal and confirmed its first conclusions in October (conclusions first published at the end of March 2008) that the EU illegally bans the import of Canadian and US hormone-treated beef (see EUROPE 9632). The Commission appealed against this decision in May (see EUROPE 9677). The new EU appeals open a new consultation period. If, after 60 days, the parties have not managed to reach agreement, the WTO Appeals Body will rule on the case again. (E.H. trans fl)