February 24, 2010

Strong pressures for easing of BSE measures in Belgium

Belgium has called on Monday (Feb 22) for a road map on the measures on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (BSE) or mad cow disease.

Like other EU member states, Belgium conveyed at EU level the strong pressure from agricultural professional organisations and trade organisations for more flexibility in the measures put in place in 2001, at the peak of the mad cow crisis.

A new road map 2010-2015 will be presented by the European Commission (EC) in June, rather than in March as planned, said the new Health Commissioner, John Dalli.

Belgium called for a change in its status from "negligible BSE risk" to "controlled BSE risk", which would allow the country to put an end to costly screening tests on animals in good health without increasing health risks for consumers.

This country is also seeking an increase in the age requirement for animals to be tested (to 60 months) and the phase-out of tests for those born after January 1, 2004.

Dalli notes that the EC is not opposed to a reduction in the number of tests performed, by limiting them for example to animals born before January 1, 2002 or January 1, 2003, depending on the option agreed.

On revision of the list of risk material, certain parts of the intestines (the ileum) should not be brought back into the food chain soon in the absence of scientific advice. On the other hand, certain fats from animal stomachs could be reintroduced.

Meanwhile, on animal feed, the EC could phase out the ban on meat and bone meal, a symbolic element of the measures to combat BSE. It is expected to propose authorisation of the use of such meal for aquaculture. Once certain DNA tests are available in order to rule out all inappropriate use, it could allow the use of such feed for pigs and poultry.

Agricultural professional organisations in the EU said they are prepared to ensure strict traceability of meat and bone meal so as to ensure the absence of "intra-species recycling" and continuation of the ban for ruminants. Specialised plants could be opened as well as strict criteria will be set for the transport of such meal (sealed containers).