Scotch beef is back on the menu in Canada where diners at Jacob’s & Co in Toronto, Ontario can enjoy Aberdeen Angus steak.

Danny McCallum, Executive Chef at Jacob’s & Co, said:

“I travel the world to source the very best products for our guests. I was impressed by the quality and standards of the beef industry in Scotland, and excited that we are the first restaurant in Canada to have Scotch Beef on the menu.”

It was back in 1996 that meat from Britain was banned from sales worldwide due to BSE. Horrific pictures of cattle suffering from BSE and of infected humans who had consumed it hit the TV screens.

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) commonly known as mad cow disease resulted in the death of 177 people who had eaten infected meat. 4 million cows were destroyed in attempts to eradicate the disease.

Beef farmers in Scotland pride themselves on the quality of their Scottish bred and reared cattle producing an excellent product. Before the Scotch beef went on sale in Canada premises in Scotland were inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy Secretary in the Scottish Government said:

“I’m delighted that, after 24 years, Scotch Beef is now available in a Canadian restaurant and can be bought in stores alongside some of the finest global produce. Since Canada reopened its market, we have been committed to connecting key buyers and retailers with Scotch Beef farmers.

“This is the result of significant work by many to support Scottish producers and engage potential Canadian buyers, including Quality Meat Scotland and our dedicated food and drink in-market specialist who took businesses out to meet farmers and producers.

“There is a growing appetite for premium produce with a strong sense of Scottish provenance which we should capitalise on. Scotch Beef exports are currently worth £46.4m to our economy and we will work closely with partner agencies and businesses to help this grow.”

Scotch beef will also be on sale at some specialist retail outlets in Ontario.