Suspension of Canadian beef imports will be partially lifted by the Hong Kong government, which will resume processing applications with immediate effect, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department of Hong Kong government announced here Tuesday.

The department said the decision to lift the suspension was made after considering Canada's implementation of enhanced controlmeasures 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 andreview import requirements when necessary.

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

Source: Xinhua