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From: TSS ()
Board paper: Atypical scrapie in small ruminants: consideration of the current precautionary risk management measures This paper provided information on atypical scrapie (a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in sheep and goats and the precautionary measures currently in place to protect consumers from the possible risks from TSEs in these species. There are a great many unknowns about atypical scrapie, including the potential implications, if any, for human health. It also reported on the views of stakeholders and consumer focus groups who were asked whether, in the light of this uncertainty, additional precautionary measures were needed and for their views on the Agency’s advice on this subject. Board paper: BSE and sheep contingency policy This paper asked the Board to agree, for purposes of contingency planning, a possible approach to a graduated strengthening of measures to protect consumers if BSE were ever found in one or more sheep in the current UK flock. The paper also noted the high level of uncertainty around estimates of the possible risk from BSE in sheep and that, if BSE were ever found in a UK sheep, the estimate of the risk to consumers would depend on the accumulated results of surveillance for BSE in sheep up to that time. It therefore recommended that the policy be kept under review and that any policy agreed now on a contingency basis should urgently be reconfirmed taking into account the circumstances at the time of any finding of BSE in a UK sheep. http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsanews59.pdf Butchers get guide on removal of bovine SRM The Agency and the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) have jointly produced an illustrated guide for authorised butchers, explaining how to remove specified risk material (SRM) vertebral column (backbone) correctly from cattle aged between 24 and 30 months. The leaflet (see right) is also designed to help local authorities understand the legislative requirements. Butchers wishing to remove SRM vertebral column from these animals must be authorised to do so by their local authority. Application packs can be obtained from local environmental health service departments. Paul Holley, FSA Head of SRM Controls, said: ‘The Agency is delighted to have worked with the MLC on the production of this leaflet. It’s been designed to be both straightforward and informative, and we hope that butchers who decide to obtain authorisation to remove SRM vertebral column will find it a useful aid.’ Following the lifting of the ban on the export of UK produced beef in May 2006, the UK was required to harmonise controls on SRM with the rest of Europe. Harmonisation has meant that the vertebral column of cattle is now designated as SRM in animals aged over 24 months rather than over 30 months, as was previously the case. To help reduce the impact of this change, the Agency agreed that the backbone of animals aged between 24 and 30 months of age can be removed in authorised butchers’ shops. Kim Matthews, Meat Scientist at the Meat and Livestock Commission, said: ‘This is a practical, illustrated guide designed to enable butchers to remove the vertebral column with the confidence that they are following the legal requirements. We were pleased to work with the FSA on this important project.’ The Joint Food Standards Agency and MLC leaflet can be found at: food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/vertebralcolumn.pdf http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsanews59.pdf TSS
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