French 'to hold urgent talks on beef ban'

The French food safety agency is due to hold an emergency meeting to consider lifting the ban on British beef, it was reported today.

The French food safety agency is due to hold an emergency meeting to consider lifting the ban on British beef, it was reported today.

Agriculture minister Jean Glavany has asked the agency to meet, claiming he has won important concessions from the British on labelling and tests for mad cow disease, the BBC said.

According to reports the ban cannot be lifted in France without the agreement of the agency.

France has another week to justify its ban or face legal action from the EU.