US may lift import ban imposed on haggis

Authorities there are considering relaxing an import ban on the Scottish delicacy, brought about by the BSE crisis in 1989.

The meat dish contains offal, including sheep lung, which was covered by the American restriction on some imported animal products.

The Scottish government said removing the ban would be a “vote of confidence” for haggis, a traditional feature in Burns Night suppers being celebrated around the country tonight.

Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am greatly encouraged to hear that the US authorities are planning a review of the unfair ban on haggis imports.

“We are in regular contact with the industry on this issue and believe that reversing the ban would deliver a vote of confidence in Scottish producers, and allow American consumers to sample our world-renowned national dish.

“An increasing number of people at home and abroad are recognising the fact that the Saltire is a stamp of quality.”

“It’s time for the US authorities to deliver a Burns Night boost and recognise that Scottish haggis is outstanding quality produce.”

A spokeswoman for the United States Department of Agriculture said at the weekend it was reviewing its regulations in line with a ruling from the the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that sheep lung is safe.

The spokeswoman said: “At this time, there are regulations being drafted. By closely aligning our import rules with the OIE, we will allow the importation of certain ruminant products that do not contain tissues associated with BSE infectivity or ruminants raised under conditions where they were not fed prohibited materials associated with spreading BSE.”

Jo Macsween, of Edinburgh haggis makers Macsween, said it was good news for expatriates.

She added: “When I’ve encountered American tourists in Scotland, they absolutely love it. They’ll be delighted that next time they come and visit they can not only take it back but hopefully manufacturers like us will be able to start shipping it there too.”

Haggis is served at Burns suppers on January 25 to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scots poet Robert Burns.