§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether it is his intention to seek exemption from testing for trichinosis in pigmeat in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanYes. With effect from 1 January 1993, the EC single market directive on the production and marketing of fresh red meat, adopted by the Council of Ministers on 29 July, will require all pig meat and horse meat intended for human consumption to be tested for150W Trichinella spiralis unless it is frozen by a prescribed method. However, the directive enables the Council to grant derogation from the testing requirement to member states which can demonstrate the absence of trichinella on their territory. The Council is required to decide on any derogations by 1 July 1992. Before applying for a derogation my Department will be carrying out a survey of slaughtered pigs and horses to provide further evidence of the United Kingdom's freedom from trichinella. Officials will write to industry and enforcement bodies about this survey shortly.