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US Not to Ease Ban on European Meat
The United States will not ease immediately a ban on European Union meat imports that was imposed March 13 after confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in France, US Agriculture Department said Wednesday.
"There would be no immediate change in the US position," US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said in a statement after meeting here with David Byrne, the European Union's commissioner for health and consumer protection.
"This is a very difficult situation, and we certainly recognize the extensive efforts that the EU and the member states are taking to control the current outbreak," Veneman said.
"We will continue reviewing our policies but remain concerned about the current spread of foot-and-mouth disease within the EU and the risk of introduction into the United States. Given the current situation, we are not prepared to lift any restrictions at this time," Veneman said.
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