토니 버크 호주 농수산부장관은 광우병 발생으로 수입이 중단되었던 미국산 쇠고기 전면수입 결정을 번복하여 24개월 간의 수입위험분석(24-month import risk analysis)을 실시하기로 결정했다고 합니다.
이번 2년 간의 수입위험분석 결정은 미국산 쇠고기 수입재개를 비판하는 축산 및 소비자단체의 입장을 수용하고, 불공정 무역행위로 인한 WTO 제소를 회피하기 위한 호주정부의 묘수로 판단됩니다.
미국, 캐나다 등 광우병 발생으로 호주에 쇠고기 수출이 중단된 국가들의 향후 대응을 지켜봐야 할 것 같습니다.
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Beef imports face mad cow risk review
- From: AAP
- March 08, 2010
A HIGH level of community concern has forced Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke to order an import risk analysis on beef imports.
Mr Burke made the unprecedented move after a wave of community and industry alarm about imports from countries affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease.
The 10-year ban on imports from those countries was lifted last week.
But because beef was already being imported before the ban, the Government did not need to do the import risk analysis, arguing the protocols in place were sufficient to protect human and animal health.
Mr Burke said he had decided the assessment was needed, to give the community reassurance with a “tried and true method”.
“Community concern which has come to us directly through my Labor colleagues within caucus and also directly through the media has made clear that … people want to know absolutely that we will be retaining the best possible food safety standards,” he said.
The 24-month import risk analysis will include a formal process of community consultation and scientific examination, before import protocols are developed.
Countries can then apply to import beef.
Responding to the public outcry, the coalition had planned to introduce private members’ bills this week, aimed at delaying imports until a risk assessment was performed.
Mr Burke denied the move was a backflip, saying it was not a diversion from the Government’s decision on beef imports.
“The protocols that would have been put in place would still have provided an equally strong level of protection for consumers,” he said.
No applications to import beef have been received since the ban was lifted.
All countries other than New Zealand will be examined in the import risk analysis. It is the first time the Minister has used his discretion to order an analysis.
