HL Deb 22 February 2000 vol 610 cc26-7WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are any controls on veterinary or medical researchers or other individuals obtaining tissue extracts or other materials from licensed slaughterhouses in the United Kingdom. [HL680]

Baronnes Hayman

The following controls apply:

Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (as amended): Nothing must be done which would risk contamination of fresh meat intended for human consumption (Schedule 7.1), but there is an exemption from the regulations for fresh meat intended for special studies or analysis (Regulation 3(1)(c)). In addition, the plant operator has a duty to take all practical steps to secure compliance with the provisions of the regulations by any person employed by him or invited on to the premises (Regulation 20(1)(b)).

Animal By Products (Identification) Regulations 1995 (as amended): Animal by-products (as defined) must be immediately stained or sterilised, subject to a number of exemptions as set out in Regulation 5(2).

Animal By Products Order 1999By-products must be disposed of by an approved route as set out in Regulation 5 of the order.

Specified Risk Material Regulations 1997 (as amended): All specified risk material must be stained blue immediately after removal from the carcass and sent to an approved premises for disposal in accordance with the regulations. Limited exemptions from the staining requirement, includng in veterinary or medical premises for instructional, diagnostic or research purposes, are set out in Regulation 5(3).