FSA decision on BSE testing makes sound scientific sense

The Food Standards Agency’s decision to agree to support a move to increase the BSE testing age requirement for cattle slaughtered for human consumption from 30 months to 48 months is based on sound science and risk assessment, the NFU said today.

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said the decision was a step forward and would not have been taken if there was any risk to consumers.

“We fully recognise that consumer confidence and public health protection is vital and would not have supported a move to increase the age limit if there was any risk involved. The BSE incidence rate is decreasing year on year and the UK has fully implemented the EU BSE surveillance programme and EU feed ban for over and above the stipulated time requirement.

“The key controls to protect public health will remain in place along with controls on animal feed which are the key controls to protect animal health. BSE will remain a notifiable disease and all suspect animals will continue to be tested,” he said.

“The raising of the testing age will have a significant impact on both producers and taxpayers, reducing the number of tests by more than 100,000 and saving around £1.1 million, and will benefit the meat industry, the taxpayer, and the consumer.”

The FSA will now make formal recommendations to Health ministers across the UK who must agree to support the increased testing age before the change can be implemented.

Evidence from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, the European Food Safety Agency and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency shows there are no increased risks to public health by raising the testing age.

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