§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current position on the establishment of maximum residue limits for active ingredients used in veterinary medicines for horses; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesUnder Council regulation 2377/90, maximum residue limits must be established by 1996 for active ingredients in veterinary medicines used in food-producing species. The European Commission has now confirmed that, in line with existing United Kingdom policy, if a horse is not destined for human consumption, maximum residue limits will not be required. In addition, the Commission has emphasised that it is not the intention of regulatory authorities to deny veterinarians the possibility of treating animals.
In the United Kingdom, therefore, we shall continue to require that where no MRLs have been established, the product should be clearly marked as not to be used on any animal that might be intended for human consumption. This applies to all horses, irrespective of value. I am satisfied that this provides the necessary guarantees to consumers of the safety of food while safeguarding animal health and welfare.