§ 28. Clive EffordTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tests for BSE are carried out on livestock destined for human consumption; and what plans she has to review this in the future. [13092]
§ Mr. MorleyThe EU surveillance programme for TSE's requires testing for BSE in all cattle over 30 months destined for human consumption. In the UK, this applies only to a small number of animals belonging to Beef Assurance Scheme herds which can be sold for human consumption up to 42 months old. These cattle have been tested since January this year.
The EU programme has been extended to cattle aged 24–30 months which have died on farm or in transit and are casualties. A small proportion of casualties will be eligible for human consumption and arrangements are being made for them to be tested.
In line with EU requirements, arrangements are also being made to test 20,000 sheep aged over 18 months.
The Commission will be reviewing the testing programme in the light of results from member states.