CHANGE IN EU BEEF RULES GOOD FOR LOCAL FARMERS

8.23.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Apr 2008

Local Euro-MP and LibDem European agriculture spokesperson for England and Wales Liz Lynne has welcomed a decision by the European Commission to relax the rules on processing slaughtered beef on the bone.

Beef may now be taken off the vertebral column of animals up to 30 months old, rather than 24 months previously. This is due to the decreasing risk of BSE and will benefit the meat industry.

Liz Lynne MEP said:

"This decision is good news for local farmers and consumers alike as it shows increasing confidence in the safety of our meat and its producers. Extensive research shows that the fight against BSE is being won and it is right the rules should be adjusted accordingly.

"The changes will improve the competitiveness of our meat industry and reduce waste disposal costs as less needs to be classified as 'specified risk material' and destroyed. The new rules also bring us into line with the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health."