THE BAN was reviewed and lifted by the EU five months ago but the affair has remained unresolved.
July 14 - After three years of a trade blockade following the BSE crisis, European Commission announces worldwide exports of British beef can restart 1 August.
August 1 - Farmers celebrate end of ban.
August 3 - France and Germany say they will not lift their ban immediately. Both say there are more questions over safety.
August 4 - The Government voices concern to France, Germany as the possibility of a legal battle looms.
October 1 -The French Food Safety Agency recommends the ban stays for safety reasons.
October 4 - Agriculture Minister Nick Brown declares a personal boycott of French products.
October 22 - Supermarkets boycott French products.
October 25 - Government signals it might ban French meat after EU report says French farmers had fed livestock with sewage.
October 29 - EU Scientific Steering Committee's unanimous verdict - French bant is not justified.
November 5 - UK, French officials meet to "clarify" UK arrangements for safeguarding against BSE.
November 16 - EU food safety commissioner David Byrne announces legal proceedings against France.
November 23 - Britain and France agree a joint "protocol of understanding" meant to clear the way for an imminent resumption of beef exports.
December 6 - French Food Safety Agency in Paris refuses to rule on whether British beef is safe, and passes the buck to Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.
December 8 - At about 10pm British time Mr Jospin announces the decision - the ban will stay in force.
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