Legacy regulations from BSE crisis 'outdated'
Speaking at a beef and lamb industry conference, EBLEX chairman John Cross said that some of the regulations introduced during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis in the mid-1990s are now outdated.
Outdated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) regulations, add unnecessary cost to the industry and hinder international trade, Mr Cross told delegates.
He said: "In the past, regulations around BSE and TSEs more generally, along with specified risk materials (SRM) measures, were science-based and fit for purpose and I think we can all look back and feel reassured that the scientists got it right…
"Thankfully, BSE is behind us but we have some legacy pieces of regulation left that are outdated and a hindrance to both trade and our international reputation.
"I mention this particularly with regards to older lamb carcasses which have to be split to meet the statutory checks, when customers want them whole.
"Regulation is essential in the food chain but let’s keep it live, scientifically informed, risk-based and fit for purpose. The current situation needs reviewing."
Similarly, speaking earlier in the afternoon EBLEX director Nick Allen said: "I am not suggesting there should be any relaxation of rules, just that they should be risk-based, proportionate and relevant to the industry as it is today, not where we were previously."
More than 170 delegates attended the annual EBLEX conference in Warwickshire, where they heard details of the organisation's work in a number of areas, including exports.
All presentations can be viewed on the EBLEX website. http://www.eblex.org.uk/events/conference-news/annual-conference-2013/
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