US food inspectors are coming to Scotland to ensure Scotch beef is fit to export following a 25-year ban linked to "mad cow disease".

The country has imposed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) related restrictions on red meat imports from the UK since 1989, with bans on imports from all EU member states since 1997.

It formally lifted its BSE import restrictions on the whole of the EU in November 2013, but member states must demonstrate equivalent standards to US food safety controls before exports can recommence.

US food safety experts will inspect red meat plants in Scotland within the next six months to ensure they match US requirements.

Food Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotch beef is recognised as a premium product around the globe and in demand all over the world - so it is unfortunate that so many Scots, and Americans with Scottish heritage, living in the USA cannot get their teeth into a succulent scotch steak.

"I am looking forward to Scotland hosting a formal audit mission from the US authorities in the first half of this year, which should enable the importation of Scotch beef to recommence. I'm also optimistic that this will help to pave the way for the resumption of imports of other iconic Scottish products such as haggis and Scotch lamb."

ends