October  19, 2006

UK authorities want older cattle out of food chain
 

UK authorities have warned cattle producers against sending older cattle for human consumption. 

More than 180 older cattle have been sent to abattoirs in the UK despite being ineligible for the food chain since last year. Cattle born before August 1996 are considered old.

The lifting of the over 30-month rule allowed cattle over the age that were born after 1 August 1996 to enter the food chain. However, the UK has now said cattle born before 1996 should not be allowed.

Last November, cattle aged over thirty months and born on or after August 1, 1996 were allowed back into the food chain subject to BSE testing as opposed to the thirty month rule, where only cattle younger than 30 months were allowed.

A DARD spokesperson said since November 7 last year, farmers across the UK have sent over 180 cattle born before August 1, 1996 for slaughter but none have entered the food chain.

Cattle producers have been urged to double check the birth dates of cattle.

Cattle born or reared in the UK before August 1, 1996 must only be sent for slaughter under the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme (OCDS) where compensation would be paid. Cattle older than that presented at a slaughterhouse for human consumption would be killed and destroyed without compensation.

Farmers who fail to comply with the regulation could be fined up to GBP5,000 or face three months imprisonment.