This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8477432.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| US planning to relax haggis ban | US planning to relax haggis ban |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The US government said it is planning to relax the ban on imported meats which prevents the sale of haggis. | The US government said it is planning to relax the ban on imported meats which prevents the sale of haggis. |
| The Scottish government said it was greatly encouraged by the move, which was also welcomed by haggis producers. | The Scottish government said it was greatly encouraged by the move, which was also welcomed by haggis producers. |
| The ban was introduced in 1989 because of concerns about the safety of British meat during the BSE scare. | The ban was introduced in 1989 because of concerns about the safety of British meat during the BSE scare. |
| On the eve of Burns night, the US Department of Agriculture said new regulations were being drafted, in line with international standards. | On the eve of Burns night, the US Department of Agriculture said new regulations were being drafted, in line with international standards. |
| 'Greatly encouraged' | 'Greatly encouraged' |
| Imports of Scotland's iconic dish were banned by the US 21 years ago because it contains offal ingredients such as sheep lungs. | Imports of Scotland's iconic dish were banned by the US 21 years ago because it contains offal ingredients such as sheep lungs. |
| In the words of Scotland's bard Robert Burns in his Ode to a haggis, the US could be said to have looked down with "sneering, scornful view" on the "great chieftain o' the puddin'-race". | In the words of Scotland's bard Robert Burns in his Ode to a haggis, the US could be said to have looked down with "sneering, scornful view" on the "great chieftain o' the puddin'-race". |
| The dish is traditionally served with neeps and tatties on Burns night (25 January). | The dish is traditionally served with neeps and tatties on Burns night (25 January). |
| It usually also contains ingredients such as liver and heart minced with onion. | It usually also contains ingredients such as liver and heart minced with onion. |
| It is boiled in a sheep's stomach. | It is boiled in a sheep's stomach. |
| In my experience when I have encountered American tourists in Scotland they absolutely loved it Jo MacSweenHaggis maker | In my experience when I have encountered American tourists in Scotland they absolutely loved it Jo MacSweenHaggis maker |
| 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. | 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. | "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. | "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." | "It's time for the US authorities to deliver a Burns Night boost and recognise that Scottish haggis is outstanding quality produce." |
| Jo MacSween, co-director of Macsween Haggis, said it would come as good news to expats and tourists. | Jo MacSween, co-director of Macsween Haggis, said it would come as good news to expats and tourists. |
| She said: "I'm very excited by this news. | She said: "I'm very excited by this news. |
| "In my experience when I have encountered American tourists in Scotland they absolutely loved it. | "In my experience when I have encountered American tourists in Scotland they absolutely loved it. |
| "So they will be delighted that next time they come to visit they can not only take it back but hopefully manufacturers like us will actually start shipping it there too." | "So they will be delighted that next time they come to visit they can not only take it back but hopefully manufacturers like us will actually start shipping it there too." |
| Ms MacSween said sales of haggis were no longer confined to the Burns Night season in January. | |
| The company has also diversified into products such as haggis nachos, she said. | The company has also diversified into products such as haggis nachos, she said. |