Commission agrees to further protection measures against BSE
The European Commission has agreed three proposals to combat any risk related to exposure to BSE. The proposals follow the political orientation expressed at the Agriculture Council of 29 January, and were put forward to the Standing Veterinary Committee on 7 February. The agreed measures involve the removal of the vertebral column from all cattle over 12 months and a ban on recovered meat from all bones of ruminants. It is proposed that all rendered animal fats from ruminants intended for food and feed now be pressure-cooked and that certain hydrolysed proteins from fish and feathers are authorised. 'With today's proposals we add an additional layer of protection for consumers,' said David Byrne, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection on 7 February. 'What is vitally important now in our efforts to combat BSE is that Member States are being vigilant in ensuring that all existing safety laws are being fully applied. If the ban on feeding mammalian meat and bonemeal (MMBM) to ruminants is fully effective, if specific risk materials are being completely removed from carcasses and destroyed, if surveillance through testing is carried out effectively, then BSE can be brought under control as has been demonstrated.' Where it can be demonstrated that existing control measures, such as a ban on MMBM and effective surveillance are effective, it is proposed to exempt certain Member States from the requirements.