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MEPs' back partial lifting of feed ban - Lyon
July 6, 2011 1:52 PM
Originally published by George Lyon - Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland
Originally published by George Lyon - Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland
George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed the vote of the European Parliament which backed Commission proposals that would relax rules on the use of animal protein in the European food chain and backs the lifting of the BSE testing age for cattle to above 72 months.
The Roth-Behrendt Report recommends allowing proteins from pigs and chickens back into the system while keeping in place the ban on animal protein from cattle and sheep to ensure there is no chance of another BSE outbreak.
Commenting, Mr Lyon said:
"I welcome the Commission's constructive approach to animal feed restrictions. It has recognised the industry's need for flexibility while putting adequate safeguards in place to ensure the food chain is disease free.
"Allowing animal protein from pigs and chickens back into the system will reduce Europe's reliance on imported soya which will be of real benefit to Scottish farmers.
"These measures will also deliver significant savings for the meat industry and are long overdue.
"But the Commission is absolutely right to retain the ban on protein from cattle and sheep. The recycling of these animals in the food chain was what caused the BSE epidemic in the first place and no one wants to return to those dark days."
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