Poland bans beef imports from several EU countries amid renewed BSE fears

Poland banned the import of beef on Saturday from Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands after cases of the deadly BSE disease were reported close to its borders. Earlier, Poland introduced a ban on beef from the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Switzerland and Portugal. "I am convinced that the risk of mad cow disease spreading is very slight, however, such a risk does exist," said chief veterinary inspector Andrzej Komorowski. According to unofficial information, the Polish government is also considering putting a ban on the import of live cows from Germany. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.22; Zycie, Nov. 25-26, p.1; Reuters) A.Z.