EU lifts British beef ban

The European Union (EU) has moved to lift its long-standing export ban on British beef.

Ten years ago, the EU imposed the ban on British beef to stop the spread of mad cow disease.

The EU's committee of vets has now lifted the embargo, after acknowledging that the UK had taken the necessary measures to prevent the disease spreading.

The British Government says the move is a vindication of the UK's efforts to control mad cow disease.

British farmers say the ban has cost the industry $1.5 billion a year.

Exports of British beef, beef products and live animals will begin in about six weeks.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA