Poland has become the first country to lift its ban on US beef, imposed after America's mad cow disease outbreak

The US Department of Agriculture said the European nation had begun allowing beef imports under certain conditions. A spokesman said: "Imports of edible beef, beef products and tripe will be allowed under permit issued by the chief veterinary officer with additional certification statements." Dozens of countries have banned US beef imports, which totalled slightly more than £2bn last year. Poland is not a significant buyer of American beef, purchasing less than £110,000 worth in 2002. Japan is normally the largest importer, spending about £550m annually before banning the meat after the BSE outbreak. US agriculture and health officials are in Tokyo this week trying to persuade Japan to relax its ban on American beef. Canada is the only significant US buyer to continue to purchase some the beef products.It is allowing the import of boneless meat products from young cattle.