Johan Eylenbosch, a Belgian meat importer, told BBC radio sales of British beef in his country were limited to top restaurants, a few elite butchers and very few supermarkets. He agreed that price was a significant factor. In comparison to our own beef, British beef is rather expensive and that s one of the reasons why we are completely unable to sell British beef in the supermarket chains. Sam Greenhill Farmers leaders today thanked the British public for their support on the first anniversary of the lifting of the beef ban in Europe. But they criticised France for persisting with its illegal ban on British beef.
Farmers celebrate the official end of the export ban.
The first consignment of animals due for export are prepared for slaughter as a marketing drive begins centred on France. Both say there are further questions over safety. Agriculture minister Nick Brown condemns the action as contrary to EU law, and is swiftly backed by European consumer protection Commissioner David Byrne. An anti-French produce campaign gathers speed, with supermarket chains including Somerfield and Budgen taking French products off their shelves. The EU s Scientific Steering Committee issues a unanimous verdict that there is no justification for the French ban.