BSE controls explained: Main controls on beef production
The Community TSE Regulation 999/2001 (as amended) lays down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
The Regulation is directly applicable in all Member States and set out the requirements for TSE monitoring, animal feeding and the removal of specified risk material.
The arrangements for its interpretation and enforcement within the UK are set out in The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) Regulations 2008, The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Wales) Regulations 2006 (as amended), The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (as amended).
Specified Risk Material
The Community TSE Regulation defines specified risk material as follows;
| Specified Risk Material in all Member States from 26 April 2008 | |
|---|---|
| Cattle | All ages
|
| Sheep and goats | All ages
|
In addition
- if SRM is not removed, the entire carcase of a dead animal, not slaughtered for food, must be treated as SRM. This includes the entire carcase of animals, removed to be rendered or incinerated.
- any material still attached to SRM after dissection of the carcase and any animal matter which comes into contact with that material or with SRM after it has been removed from the carcase will itself be regarded as SRM.
Feed Controls
The following controls are in force across Europe
- a prohibition on the use of mammalian protein in feed to ruminant animals.
- a prohibition on the incorporation of mammalian meat and bone meal (MMBM) in any farmed livestock feed.
- the ban, except in tightly defined circumstances, on having MMBM material on premises where livestock feed is used, produced or stored.
BSE Testing
Applicable in all Member States
- All cattle over 30 months of age, subject to normal slaughter for human consumption, must be tested for BSE.
Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM)
Applicable in all Member States
- Bones of cattle, sheep and goats must not be used for the production of mechanically separated meat.
Compliance with EU Measures
The Commission is responsible for ensuring that Member States comply with the EU Regulation 999/2001 (as amended). The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the Commission, operates a rolling programme of inspection within member states to ensure compliance with the EU requirements.