US officials have yet to reply to Canada’s request for an easing of the current temporary ban on Canadian beef and cattle, and do not have a clear timetable for a decision.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Last week Ottawa sent a letter to the US Department of Agriculture asking that it allow shipments of low-risk beef products to resume.


“I’m not sure how quickly we’ll have an answer,” US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman was quoted by Reuters as saying.


Meanwhile, in Ottawa, a spokesman for Canadian Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief said weekend discussions with the USDA had not yet yielded a timeframe for an easing of the ban, which has been in place since the discovery on 20 May of a single case of mad cow disease in Alberta.


No other cases of the disease have been discovered in Canada, although scientists have not yet been able to determine how the cow caught the disease.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

“I’m not sure there will be a definitive answer as to what exactly caused it,” Veneman said after meeting with a biotechnology advisory group.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now