The threat of a further EU/US trade war was averted this week

Date: 28/01/1999

when Union veterinary officials unexpectedly voted to extend approval for 100 US meat plants eligible to export produce to the EU. But the renewal of export authorisation is temporary, with officials warning that they will review the situation in three months. Union veterinary inspectors raised doubts last year over the testing procedures at some of the US slaughterhouses, which supply small quantities of hormone-free beef and pork to the EU.