1. STAKEHOLDER REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING
OTM RULE REVIEW
STAKEHOLDER REPRESENTATIVES
PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING
Friday 7 March 2003
DR JOHN GODFREY

2. BSE Consumer Protection UK & EU
Specified risk material controls
Over thirty months rule EU
BSE testing of over thirty month animals

3. The Risk Assessment
Risks to consumers now hugely lower than when BSE epidemic at its peak
Any increase in risk arising from a change in the rule marginal compared to the past risk
Difference in risks between the options very small
Risks if we moved to testing OTM animals comparable to those experienced in 1997 with OTM rule in place

4. Practicality of Controls
Testing
Major new system required
action if a positive is found - traceability
how will we know if it’s working? - transparency and audit
SRM controls
SRM controls will remain in force as the main plank of consumer protection
removal of vertebral column from OTM cattle
traceability
Enforcement
cattle passports
dentition

5. Proportionality
Principle that remedies should be appropriate to the risk posed, and costs identified and minimised
OTM scheme currently costs some £400 million a year
Testing all OTM animals would cost about £40 million a year
Large cost differences between birth date options, but little difference in risk

6. Consumer Confidence in any Change
Decision based on a sound scientific assessment of risk, acknowledgement of uncertainties
New controls robust and effective
The resulting risk to consumers at an acceptable level
The remaining uncertainties are not such as to require the continuation of the OTM rule on a precautionary basis
Change is effectively communicated to the public

7. Emerging Findings Options which might be recommended:
allowing animals born after 1 August 1996 into the food supply, with testing of OTM animals
moving entirely to testing all OTM animals