§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the use of feed additives for animals reared for country sports; and if she will make a statement. [67251]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 5 July 2002]: Any additive used in animal feed for food producing animals (including birds reared to be shot for the table) must he authorised centrally by the European Commission under EU law. Under these arrangements each product is considered on its own merits.
No general assessment has been made of the use of feed additives for animals reared for country sports. We are aware that dimetridazole (DMZ) is used by game bi;d producers as a veterinary medicinal product in feed. DMZ was also authorised as a feed additive for use in turkeys and quail but this authorisation was withdrawn by the European Commission after a six month selling off period on 15 May 2002 because the manufacturer did not provide sufficient data to support the product under a review of all feed additive authorisations.
The legality of the UK's authorisation of DMZ as the active ingredient in three veterinary medicinal products for game birds has been challenged by the European Commission. We are seeking early discussions with the European Commission on this issue. In the meantime the marketing authorisations for these three veterinary medicines remain valid.