Imports of US beef have been temporarily suspended in view of the suspected case of mad cow disease in the US, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department said.

The Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture yesterday announced the country's first suspected case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, otherwise known as BSE, or mad cow disease.

Hong Kong has informed the US Government via its local consulate of the decision to temporarily suspend imports of US beef and beef products into Hong Kong as a precautionary measure. 

US beef in stores now considered safe

As regards US beef that is still on sale in the local market, the department said there is no evidence to suggest that the beef is unsafe, adding that it has been certified by the US authorities to have originated from BSE-free cattle and is fit for human consumption.

The department will continue close liaison with the US authorities and the local consulate to monitor the situation.