EU attitudes have not changed significantly since 1985. EU consumer organizations continue to support the hormone ban, as do many European livestock producers, even though beef surpluses have virtually disappeared. Producers remain concerned about competition from possibly cheaper imported beef. In addition, EU agricultural policy-makers are resistant to policies that might accelerate the contraction of the agricultural sector and the move to urban areas where unemployment rates are high. Livestock producers are also concerned about maintaining demand for beef in EU markets.
Most scientists believe the risks of that happening are slight.
Although BSE is thought to be caused by a virus, many European beef producers fear doing anything that would give consumers a disincentive to buy meat. EU political support for continuation of the hormone ban remains strong. Only the United Kingdom voted to end it. The EU blocked resolution of the issue in the committee's deliberations. Animals would arrive at U.S. slaughterhouses accompanied by affidavits to support the producers' claims of hormone-free beef.