Scotland wants 40-yr US ban on haggis to be lifted

London, Jan 24 (ANI): The Scottish Government has invited a delegation of US politicians in a bid to persuade them to overturn a 40-year ban on the haggis.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead's invitation came a day before 'Burns Night', a traditional celebration held in honour of Scotland's famous poet Robert Burns, reports the Telegraph.

The iconic Scottish dish has been barred in the US because its food safety agency prohibits the use of sheep lungs in food products.

Lochhead raised the matter with the US authorities last year and said he hoped to persuade the delegation that 'it's time to allow imports to resume'.

"We want to capitalise on the diaspora of Scots in the US and many of them would enjoy the opportunity to indulge in authentic Scottish haggis to accompany their neeps and tatties on Burns Night," he said.

"Scotland's produce is amongst the best in the world and I've asked US Department of Agriculture officials to come here to see for themselves the high standards we have in animal health and processing," he added.

"This will help them realise that our haggis is produced to the highest standards and that it's time to allow imports to resume," said Lochhead. (ANI)