Beginning of end to otm rule
UK - The British beef industry can look forward to a boost following the announcement of the start of a managed transition towards the lifting of the Over Thirty Month rule says Meat and Livestock Commission Director General Kevin Roberts.
3 December 2004
2 minute read
 |
Today’s announcement by Secretary of State Margaret Beckett to Parliament paves the way for the reintroduction of beef from these cattle for human consumption.
They have been banned since 1996, but UK BSE levels have now fallen to a level similar to those elsewhere in Europe.
Mr Roberts said: “This is good news for British cattle producers, good news for the British beef industry and good news for British consumers.
“It signals the beginning of the end to the OTM rule.
“British beef is produced to some of the highest standards in the world. Confidence has been restored at home and lifting the OTM rule will send out a positive signal to the rest of the world.
Mr Roberts also called for the rapid dismantling of the Date Based Export Scheme which is hindering the industry in its attempts to restart British beef exports.
He said: “It is vital that we simultaneously remove the restrictions imposed on our beef export trade so it can operate on a level playing field with other EU member states.
“We will continue to work closely with Defra towards getting the necessary changes made to EU legislation to achieve this without delay.“
Source: Meat and Livestock Commission - 1st December 2004
