Suspension of Canadian beef imports will be partially lifted by the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, which will resume processing applications with immediate effect.

The department said the decision to lift the suspension was made after considering Canada's implementation of enhanced control measures against 'mad cow' disease.

At the initial stage, only boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months old, with high risk materials such as the brain and spinal cord removed during slaughtering, can be imported from Canada.

Every consignment of beef should have the department's prior written permission and should be accompanied by a health certificate. The department will closely monitor the situation and review import requirements when necessary.

Imports were suspended in May 2003 after the detection of a mad cow disease case in Alberta.