The Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has once again joined Welsh farmers in calling for a ban on imports of Brazilian beef to the European Union because of concerns about the potential risk to animal and human health. Ms Evans is part of a cross party initiative to have imports halted. MEPs are discussing the matter this week.

In a parallel move, a group of European farming organisations including the Farmers' Union of Wales have formally complained to the European Ombudsman about European authorities' handling of the situation. They allege gross maladministration by the EU Council and Commission in their failure to act on expert advice and halt imports. The move is backed by Jill Evans who is writing to the European Ombudsman in support of the farmers' organisations.

There are already restrictions on imports of beef from certain regions of Brazil due to the presence of foot and mouth disease, though imports are currently permitted to the EU from other parts of the country.

There are serious concerns about shortcomings in Brazilian standards with regard not only to cattle traceability but also to disease control and illegal use of antibiotics and hormones. This follows a report by the European Food and Veterinary Office.

Speaking from Brussels, where the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee is discussing the issue, Jill Evans commented:

"There is enough evidence to warrant an immediate halt to the import of Brazilian beef to the European Union on public and animal health grounds. As Welsh farmers have been telling us, beef imported from Brazil is subject to far lower standards than those imposed upon our own agricultural industry which is renowned for its quality.

"I am backing the farmers complaint to the European Ombudsman and am writing in support of their action.

"There are serious grounds for concern surrounding the controls put in place in Brazil following foot and mouth outbreaks. Many countries including the US, South Korea and Japan have banned all Brazilian beef imports.

"The only effective course of action in the interests of animal and human health would be a total ban until the situation can be resolved."