Commission makes final push for EU regime on Specified Risk Materials (SRMs)
The European Commission will shortly submit one final proposal to modify its Decision of 30 July 1997, which bans the use of Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) for any purpose. These SRMS are potentially infective material from cattle, sheep and goats, including the brains, eyes, spinal cords and spleens. Whilst this Decision was adopted on precautionary grounds to protect consumers against any possible risk from BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), subsequent scientific advice means it must be modified, in particular, to allow the continuing supply of certain pharmaceutical products. Although the Decision is due to enter into force on 1 April 1998, the Commission will withdraw it if the Member States are unable to reach agreement on the proposed modifications. In that event, all measures necessary to control specified risk materials will have to be taken at Member State level, with no harmonization at European level. The Commission argues that there is no indication of any change in the situation relating to SRMs in the immediate future, and therefore a comprehensive, long-term approach is needed at European level. The Commission's most recent attempt to secure modification of the Decision was rejected by Agriculture Ministers at the Council of 17 March 1998. The Commission will now return one final time to the Standing Veterinary Committee, composed of Member States' representatives, with the proposals. In the longer term, the Commission also intends to propose a Decision in the field which would come under a different legislative procedure, involving the European Parliament as well as the Council.