While discussion in the EU beef market is largely focusing on the implementation of beef bans following the latest outbreak of BSE, the situation in Portugal is somewhat different. Following a recent inspection by veterinary officers, it has now been suggested that the BSE ban imposed in 1998 is no longer necessary, as the government has since introduced slaughterhouse controls and outlawed the use of meat and bonemeal in livestock feed.

Such health measures are expected to ensure the safe resumption of Portuguese beef exports.