Commissioner urges EU states to ensure BSE legislation is enforced
David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection has issued a statement aimed at reassuring worried Europeans in the wake of further BSE discoveries in Germany. Germany has announced plans to destroy 82 cattle following confirmation that a second case of BSE was detected in a cow recently slaughtered in southern Bavaria. Two other suspected cases were found in northern Bavaria at the weekend. 'It gives me no pleasure to say that I am not surprised by the discovery of BSE in Bavaria,' said Mr Byrne. 'Even if Germany has only recently realised the risk that BSE has posed, they must ensure that all EU legislation is fully implemented. If this is done then the consumer can have confidence in the beef they eat. There must be no half measures in regards to public health and safety. I call upon them to take any necessary step to protect consumers. 'It is of no help for consumers to speculate now about [...] possible ways of transmission which are all not scientifically backed up. It is much more important to tell people the truth and to force industry and farmers to respect laws,' Commissioner Byrne added.rdinat
Countries
Germany