The World Organisation for Animal Health has confirmed the lowest and safest risk level status available for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from beef raised in Scotland, recognising it as negligible.
The confirmation is expected to help open international market access for beef exports outside of the EU, while England and Wales continue to be recognised as having controlled risk BSE status.
Scottish Rural Secretary, Fergus Ewing, welcomed the development, adding: “This is a landmark day for our red meat sector, with Scotland achieving the lowest possible risk status for BSE – negligible risk.
“This is reward for years of hard work from the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, producers, our red meat businesses, vets, and this government all of whom have worked tirelessly to build a failsafe system which protects our animal and public health.”
Frank Clark, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, noted that the status was a “major advance” for the industry and a “boost for member companies, as they seek to increase business strength and capacity as we negotiate Brexit and the potential new trading opportunities for the future”.
He added: “The support given to the industry’s case throughout this period by Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, and his officials, has been invaluable.
“Member businesses are now working hard to ensure full benefit is secured from Scotland’s newly gained status, exploring new by-product opportunities in order to return maximum value to the sector.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
