Plaid MEP Jill Evans has welcomed the European Commission's announcement of a total ban on all beef imports from Brazil which comes into effect today (Thursday). Ms Evans has been campaigning with other MEPs for a total ban because of concerns about hygiene and animal health standards in Brazil.

Ms Evans said:

"This announcement is very welcome, though it is long overdue. I was one of the MEP's who highlighted serious concerns about animal health and hygiene standards in Brazil several months ago and it should not have taken this long to implement a ban.

"But I am pleased that the European Commission has at last taken action. I have been working with the farming unions and consumer groups to take this forward and thankfully the work has paid off.

"It is good news for farmers and consumers. We had come to a point where we could have no confidence in the Brazilian beef being imported to the EU and farmers were very concerned about the potential effects on the industry in Europe.

"This ban must remain in place until all concerns about standards in Brazilian agriculture are fully dealt with."