Commission wishes to see all the EU's older cattle tested for BSE
Following a resurgence of fears over the safety of beef in the EU, the European Commission met on 15 November in order to discuss BSE testing for all older cattle in the EU. The Commission took the opportunity to remind those concerned that the wide range of measures it has already put in place, if implemented fully, are sufficient to ensure a high level of public health and safety, but acknowledged that additional action is now needed in order to restore consumer confidence. With this in mind, a comprehensive programme for Community-wide testing for BSE was discussed at the Standing Veterinary committee. European Commissioners for Agriculture and Health and Consumer Protection: Franz Fischler and David Byrne respectively were given a mandate by the College of Commissioners to explore the options for such a programme with the Member States at the Agriculture Council on 20 and 21 November. It is hoped that this initiative will offer the necessary assurances to consumers. Mr Fischler was also asked on 15 November to propose a private storage scheme in order to support the beef market. This proposal will be submitted for opinion to the Beef management committee on 17 November. Mr Byrne has already called upon Member States to start the approved EU-wide testing programme on sick animals much earlier. The proposed tests will be carried out on all bovine animals above a certain age, as, on account of the disease's long incubation period, only cattle above a certain age develop clinical symptoms of BSE. 'One of the major lessons I have learned in dealing with BSE is that the political establishment must be fully transparent with the public on the issues. There must be no hidden agendas. No distortions. No false assurances' said Commissioner Byrne. 'Transparency, information and open dialogue must guide our actions. We must make known the risks and the protective measures which we have introduced to tackle those risks. At the Community level, we have put in place a comprehensive e series of controls which I am satisfied reduce the risk to a very low level. The envisaged programme will however increase information and transparency to the consumer and further strengthen our controls.' Commissioner Fischler added: 'I am very conscious of the huge public concern at the extent of the disease in our cattle herd. It is our responsibility - at both the national and the Community level - to take that concern very seriously. I am convinced that farmers agree with me that it is of utmost importance to restore public trust in beef products.' The introduction of a post-mortem test, as specified by the Commission has revealed significant increases in the detection of BSE cases. Most alarming are the figures for France, where 99 cases have been recorded to date in 2000, compared with 31 in 1999. A lower rate of increase has also been recorded in other Member States, most notably in Ireland and Belgium. Consumer panic in France has led to a 40 per cent slump in consumption, causing the French government to introduce a number of new protective measures, most notable a suspension of feeding meat and bone meal (MBM) to all animals.