Venezuela bans EU beef and milk imports

Venezuela has banned imports of beef and milk from the EU over fears of the spread of BSE.

The Venezuelan Agriculture Ministry said the ban will remain pending efforts in the EU to resolve the problem.

Business groups asked the government to reconsider the ban, saying sufficient safeguards are in place abroad to prevent the spread of the disease.

But Venezuela's Ranchers' Association supported the move, citing a suspected discovery of contaminated cattle in neighbouring Colombia.

PA