BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Union ban on imports of beef produced using hormones seems certain to continue, despite a negative trade ruling, intensive North American political pressure and some divisions inside the EU.
Interviews with senior EU officials last week suggested there is no political stomach in Europe for lifting the decade-old ban, despite a ruling by the World Trade Organization against the EU and damaging retaliation by Canada and the United States.
Last week, some British scientists challenged the conclusion that hormone residues are a health hazard.
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Still, European officials are sticking with an April 30 report from scientists, which concluded hormones in beef could be a human health hazard.
“Of course, every new opinion is subject to re-evaluation,” said a senior official in the consumer health protection section of the European Commission last week. “But I don’t think we have many choices with this scientific opinion before us. So the ban will continue.”
An official from the European Commission general secretary’s office said the mood is to adhere to scientific caution and that the commission would be loath to abandon that caution in the face of political pressure.
“I do not see the situation changing quickly,” he said.
Both European officials insisted it was a science-based decision to ban hormone-produced beef a decade ago. The science is produced by independent experts who do not work on the EU staff.
At the Canadian mission to the EU, agriculture counselor Victor Jarjour dismissed the claims of scientific independence and impotent politicians.
“I hear quietly from commission people that it is politically driven.”
Still, Jarjour concedes the Europeans are not about to cave in.
Compensation wanted
Canada’s official strategy is to argue for access while privately working for a compensation deal that would benefit the cattle industry, which has largely been shut out of Europe.
The compensation, if the EU agreed, would be an increase in the existing 11,500 tonne quota for high quality hotel beef from North America.
Canada has filled not much more than eight percent of the quota in the past.
For the moment, Canada’s retaliation has targeted $11 million worth of European goods.
The clear message from both sides is that retaliation is not going to open the European market and that Canadian cattle producers interested in the European market should adapt to the EU demand for hormone-free beef.
