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Legacy regulations from BSE crisis 'outdated'
TSE regulations 'need reviewing', says EBLEX chairman

Speaking at a beef and lamb industry conference, EBLEX chairman John Cross said that some of the regulations introduced during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis in the mid-1990s are now outdated.

Outdated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) regulations, add unnecessary cost to the industry and hinder international trade, Mr Cross told delegates.

He said: "In the past, regulations around BSE and TSEs more generally, along with specified risk materials (SRM) measures, were science-based and fit for purpose and I think we can all look back and feel reassured that the scientists got it right…
 
"Thankfully, BSE is behind us but we have some legacy pieces of regulation left that are outdated and a hindrance to both trade and our international reputation.

"I mention this particularly with regards to older lamb carcasses which have to be split to meet the statutory checks, when customers want them whole.
 
"Regulation is essential in the food chain but let’s keep it live, scientifically informed, risk-based and fit for purpose. The current situation needs reviewing."

Similarly, speaking earlier in the afternoon EBLEX director Nick Allen said: "I am not suggesting there should be any relaxation of rules, just that they should be risk-based, proportionate and relevant to the industry as it is today, not where we were previously."

More than 170 delegates attended the annual EBLEX conference in Warwickshire, where they heard details of the organisation's work in a number of areas, including exports.

All presentations can be viewed on the EBLEX website. http://www.eblex.org.uk/events/conference-news/annual-conference-2013/

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.