Ministry bans beef from Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands

The Ministry of Trade and Industry on Thursday announced that a temporary ban has been placed on the importation of beef and beef products, including corned beef, from Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands.

A statement issued in Accra said this follows the outbreak of Mad Cow disease, or BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in some European Union countries.

The statement advised importers to take note of the temporary ban.

"The Ministry is monitoring the crisis in Europe regarding the Mad Cow Disease and will review the ban as and when necessary."