United Arab Emirates Reopens Door to Canadian Beef

UAE Halted Canadian Beef Exports in 2003 Over BSE

By Jean-Paul McDonald, Farms.com

After nine years of a closed border to Canadian beef, the United Arab Emirates is now fully open to Canadian beef imports from cattle over 30 months of age. A joint announcement was made today by Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

The UAE is one of nearly 70 countries in the world that has reopened their borders to allow the importing of Canadian beef after BSE (Mad Cow Disease) was detected in Canada in 2003. The UAE is Canada’s 19th largest beef export market and Canadian beef producers will benefit from full-market access to middle-east nation.

"The UAE is the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council region to resume full access to our high-quality beef and this is a significant milestone for Canadian beef producers", said Minister Ritz. "We are hopeful that the UAE's decision will encourage other countries in this region to grant full access to Canadian beef."

Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President Martin Unrau, commented "The UAE is the latest country to recognize the safety of Canadian beef and align its import requirements with the science-based standards of the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE),"

This renewed relationship with the UAE is a big step forward for Canadian beef exports, which were severely hampered by BSE in 2003.

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