The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland has welcomed a decision by DEFRA to vote in favour of proposed changes to EU TSE regulations. The changes would allow alternative methods of ageing sheep other than dentition.
The proposal is part of measures to amend Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the requirements for the removal of specified risk materials from small ruminants.
The IAAS has been in dialogue with the Scottish Government in a bid to influence the UK position, as the support of either the UK or Italy was enough to see the amendment passed under qualified majority voting. The EU vote on Friday was passed with 2 votes against (FR and IT) and no abstentions.
The amendment will result in a relaxation of current Specified Risk Material (SRM) controls in small ruminants aged over 12 months. This would mean that the spleen, ileum and tonsils would no longer be regarded as SRM and could therefore go into the food/feed chain. It also allows for provisions to estimate whether small ruminants (sheep or goats) are over 12 months of age by a method approved by the competent authority of the Member State of slaughter. This would enable UK Government to implement a cut-off date of 31st May as the accepted basis for establishing if the animal is aged over 12 months and therefore requires SRM removal.
Scott Donaldson, IAAS President said:
“It has always been the view of the IAAS and our membership that the UK should support the proposal and we have been in dialogue with Scottish Government officials to influence the UK’s position. We welcome DEFRA’s decision to support the proposal and subsequently to vote in favour of the amendment.”
“Previously the UK was unable to support the draft on the advice of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP). However back in October, DEFRA Ministers asked the Commission to vote on a proposal to allow the option of estimating the ages of sheep and goats at slaughter using an alternative method to dentition on its own. There was a compromise on the tissue that would be designated as SRM, which DEFRA viewed as a step in the right direction allowing them to review the proposal again. The previous method of using dentition for ageing sheep was a costly and time consuming process in the marts and we are delighted this can now change”
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Notes to Editors
The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) is the representative body for livestock markets, valuers and auctioneers across Scotland. We fight for the interests of those markets and the central role they play in the working of the rural and agricultural economy.
The Institute advances the interests of our membership and the wider sector through:
- Promoting the livestock market system as the only transparent way to secure the best price and guaranteed payment for everyone playing their part in the rural economy
- Working with politicians and governments to influence regulations so that they strengthen Scotland’s farming industry
- Promoting the achievements of our diverse client base, speaking out on their behalf on the many challenges they face
- Collating and making available the latest information on prices achieved across Scotland’s markets, providing a critical real-time insight into the agricultural economy
- Developing a solid education and examination structure to nurture new talent for livestock auction markets
- Providing an indispensible social hub for farmers and farming communities
For further information, please contact Message Matters: Peter Duncan 07740 469949 or peter@messagematters.co.uk or Louise Robertson 07930 539832 or louise@messagematters.co.uk