FSA to lift Chernobyl restrictions
The Food Standards Agency has agreed of the lifting of the last of the 'Mark and Release' monitoring controls on sheep which were introduced as a response to the Chernobyl disaster. The 1986 disaster following an explosion and subsequent fire at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukraine led to a cloud of radioactive smoke spreading across much of Western Europe, and therefore led to grazing grass being exposed to radioactive material (largely radiocaesium-137).
A recent review conducted by the FSA in 2011 investigated whether protective measures were still necessary and concluded that lifting the controls would not compromise consumer safety in light of the now extremely low risk. The controls were previously lifted in Northern Ireland and Scotland in 2000 and 2010 respectively on similar grounds. After a 12 week consultation including key stakeholders, the Board of the FSA authorised the release of Consents which will serve the practical purpose of lifting the controls. This step will permit all farms remaining under restriction to move sheep without the need for monitoring from June 1st 2012.
The FSA will also recommend, to Ministers in Westminster and the devolved governments, the revocation of the remaining Orders under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (known as FEPA Orders) that currently restrict the movement of sheep in designated areas of the UK. This will remove the legislation made redundant by the issuing of Consents.
The Board paper, which includes links to the consultation document, consultation responses and scientific material, can be found here.
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