Labour MEP Catherine Stihler is today visiting the US congress - and has pledged to lobby congressmen and congresswomen on lifting the ban on the sale of haggis in the US.   

The sale of haggis was banned in the United States in 1989 in the wake of the BSE scare because it contains offal ingredients such as sheep lungs.  However, it is now thought that the US may ease restrictions and allow haggis to be sold in the United States, but despite press reports last month this has not been confirmed by the US government.

Catherine will also be attending the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, and hold a series of meetings with law and security experts.

Speaking from Washington, Catherine Stihler said:

"I am going to have series of meetings in Congress today and one of the things we will be discussing is the US ban on importing haggis.

"The ban was imposed during the height of the BSE crisis when there were real doubts about British meat.

"But things have changed and haggis is perfectly safe to eat. The US market could be huge for Scottish companies.

"I will be pushing hard to get haggis back on the shelves. I am hopeful of change.

"Despite the mishandling of the Lockerbie bomber fiasco by the SNP, the cultural ties between Scotland and American are deep and strong.

"Getting haggis back in America would be a great way of improving relations.

"I am attending the National Prayer Breakfast with key Washington players on Thursday and whilst haggis won't be on the menu, I will certainly make sure it is on the agenda."

2 February 2010