Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations (which give effect in part to Commission Decision 2000/418/EC regulating the use of material presenting risks as regards transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, O.J. No. L 158, 30.6.2000, p.76) amend the Specified Risk Material Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/2965), as already amended) in so far as they extend to Scotland. The Specified Risk Material Regulations 1997 extend to the whole of Great Britain.
The principal amendment is to bring the definition of “specified risk material” in regulation 2(1) of S.I. 1997/2965 into line with the definition of that phrase in Commission Decision 2000/418/EC. As a consequence of the above amendment to the definition of “specified risk material”, an amendment is made to regulation 24(9)(b)(ii) of S.I. 1997/2095. That provision regulates the disposal of tallow derived from certain specified risk material.
S.I. 1997/2965 is further amended so that–
(a)whole carcases of sheep and goats are deemed to be specified risk material if they are removed to be rendered or incinerated whole from the place where they were slaughtered or died; and
(b)whole carcases of bovines are deemed to be specified risk material if they are removed to be rendered or incinerated whole from the place where they were slaughtered or died.
S.I. 1997/2965 is also amended to allow the vertebral column of animals which fall under the Beef Assurance Scheme to be removed in authorised cutting premises as well as in a slaughterhouse (regulations 2(8) and 2(11)).
In consequence of the amendments described in paragraph 3 above, regulation 12 (rendering whole carcases) of S.I. 1997/2965 is revoked by these Regulations.
Further amending regulations giving effect to the requirements of Commission Decision 2000/418/EC in relation to the rendering and destruction of specified risk material will be made in the near future.
A regulatory impact assessment in respect of these Regulations has been prepared and has been replaced in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies are available from the Food Standards Agency, 5th Floor, St Magnus House, 25 Guild Street, Aberdeen AB11 6NJ.