Canadian beef imports have been suspended by the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department.

The temporary move is due to a mad cow infection reported in Alberta.

The Canadian Agriculture & Agri-Food Minister announced the first confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, yesterday.

The department has told Canadian authorities about the suspension, which also includes other beef products. The move is in line with recommendations laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The department welcomed Canada's transparent approach in handling the incident and in general agreed with their control and preventive measures.

The department also noted that at present, there is no evidence to suggest that Canadian beef still on sale in Hong Kong is unsafe as the Alberta incident appears to be an isolated case.

Beef already imported has been certified by Canadian authorities to be from BSE-free cattle and fit for human consumption.

The department will liaise closely with Canada on the issue.