08/03/2011

Cattle born or reared in the UK before 1 August 1996 have had new movement restrictions placed on them as an extra precaution against meat from these older cattle entering the food chain.

The restrictions are being placed on cattle born or reared in the UK before 1 August 1996 following a Government investigation into whether any illegal trade in these cattle has occurred.

Defra has written to the 18,000 keepers with animals of this age to inform them of the new measures.

Controls to prevent these animals from entering the food chain are already strong. It is illegal to slaughter pre-1996 animals for food, and specified risk material (SRM) such as brain and spinal cord is removed from all cattle after slaughter. In addition, any cattle aged over 48 months are tested for BSE after slaughter and only those that test negative are allowed into the food chain.

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said:

“I regret that due to what appears to be illegal activity by a few individuals, this has been necessary. The industry has worked hard over the years to ensure British beef regained the good reputation it deserves, both at home and abroad.

“We want to maintain this reputation, so it’s sensible to introduce this extra safeguard. It shouldn’t have much impact on most cattle keepers, but it will give us additional confidence that these animals don’t enter the food chain.”

Relevant livestock keepers are being informed that no cattle born or reared in the UK before August 1996 will be allowed to move from their holdings without an individual movement licence, and no licences will be granted to move these cattle to markets or through dealers. In practice, this should affect a relatively small number of owners.