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Listen to this siteWednesday 13 January 2010
The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has launched a joint consultation with the Scottish Government on proposed new BSE regulations. The new regulations will update and replace the 2006 Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Scotland) Regulations (as amended), taking into account decisions made by the FSA Board concerning the slaughter of cattle aged over thirty months (OTM).
The application of the legislation to on-farm slaughter will be made clearer, and a number of technical and other changes on which Scottish Government leads will be implemented.
A separate, parallel consultation on equivalent legislation has been carried out in England, and consultations will be undertaken in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The consultation period closes on Tuesday 26 January 2010 and, subject to consideration of responses, the new regulations are expected to be introduced early next year.
Earlier this year, the FSA Board agreed to reduce restrictions on abattoirs slaughtering cattle aged OTM. At the moment, abattoirs wishing to slaughter OTM cattle must successfully undertake a trial beforehand and set out procedures in a formal ‘Required method of operation’ (RMOP) document, approved by the Meat Hygiene Service. These procedures include the batching of cattle before slaughter and specific measures relating to OTM carcases. The trial and RMOP procedures were originally designed to ensure that all OTM cattle were identified and tested negative for BSE before being allowed into the food supply. However, in January 2009 the BSE test age increased from 30 to 48 months. It is proposed to remove the RMOP requirement for abattoirs slaughtering cattle that do not require BSE testing. In addition, the RMOP requirements for abattoirs slaughtering cattle that do require BSE testing are being amended to remove the specific requirements relating to OTM vertebral column removal, as these are covered elsewhere in the legislation.
Who will have most interest in this consultation?
People involved commercially with cattle, sheep and goats. Slaughterhouse operators and cutting plants. Enforcement authorities.
What is the subject of this consultation?
Proposed regulations to update and replace the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Scotland) Regulations (as amended).
What is the purpose of this consultation?
To provide an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the proposed regulations and request information to help complete the Regulatory Impact Assessment.
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