US to consider lifting haggis ban
The United States is to consider lifting a long-standing ban on the import of Scottish haggis following an appeal by environment secretary Owen Paterson.
The delicacy has been off the menu across the pond since 1971 when sheep lung, a key ingredient of the dish, was banned.
Further Burns Night barriers were established in 1989 when British lamb was banned amidst fall out from the BSE crisis – costing producers millions in potential revenue.
Paterson’s is scheduled to meet officials from the Obama administration just as the country opens its market to British beef for the first time in 20 years.
Paterson said: "I share many haggis producers' disappointment that American diners are currently unable to enjoy the taste of Scotland's wonderful national dish in their own country.
"I am meeting my US counterpart today to discuss how we can begin exporting it, particularly as so many Americans enjoy celebrating their Scottish heritage."