The EU Commission has authorised the import of live pigs into Europe from the United States, with effect from the end of the month. A limited number of US pigs will be allowed to enter the EU for breeding and production, subject to individual testing for disease and welfare standards established by World Organisation for Animal Health.

The US was added to the list of non-EU countries authorised to export live pigs into the bloc on Monday 4th February.

Restrictions were also lifted on beef washed in lactic acid as a means of cleaning. The lifting of these regulations is thought to be a signal to the US that the EU is ready to engage in trade talks fist mooted in 2011.