§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will make an announcement on the ending of the over-30 month scheme. [172457]
§ Mr. BradshawThe ending of the over-30 month (OTM) scheme is linked to a change to the OTM rule. The Food Standards Agency has recommended to Ministers that the OTM rule could be replaced with a system of testing OTM animals for the food chain. UK Health Ministers are currently considering the agency's advice. Rural Affairs Ministers have decided that, for practical reasons, animals born before August 1996 will not be allowed back into the food chain.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with(a) her colleagues in the Department of Health and (b) the Food Standards Agency on the future of the over-30 month scheme. [172458]
§ Mr. BradshawThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended to Health Ministers in July 2003 that the over-30 month (OTM) rule could be replaced with a system of testing. Defra Ministers and officials have been in regular contact with colleagues in both the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency on issues arising from that recommendation.