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NEW REGULATIONS PROPOSED FOR BSE-RELATED FEED CONTROLS

OTTAWA, December 10, 2004 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has proposed amendments to federal regulations that will strengthen existing animal feed controls. The amendments are intended to further protect Canadian cattle from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The proposed amendments prohibit the use of specified risk material (SRM) in animal feeds, including pet food. SRM are cattle tissues that may contain the agent that causes BSE. The Government of Canada already requires the removal of SRM from the human food supply, which is the most effective measure that can be taken to protect public health from BSE.

As a precautionary measure, the Government implemented a feed ban in 1997 prohibiting the feeding of ruminant animals with most mammalian proteins. Preventing SRM from entering the feed production chain enhances the existing feed ban by diminishing the effects of potential cross-contamination of animal feeds that could occur as feed is produced and distributed, as well as any inappropriate on-farm use.

The amendments also prohibit the use of SRM in fertilizers. This provision is intended to prevent the potential accidental or intentional misuse of fertilizers as feed. As well, it addresses the possibility that contaminated grazing pastures could spread BSE, although the current science surrounding the environmental behaviour of the disease is incomplete.

The proposed regulations have been placed in the Canada Gazette Part 1. A 75-day comment period ending February 24, 2005 is being provided to give regulated industries, trading partners and other interested parties the opportunity to review the proposed amendments and provide the CFIA with written comments. This comment period builds on extensive consultations undertaken during the development of the amendments. Copies of the proposed amendments can be obtained from the CFIA's website at www.inspection.gc.ca or the Canada Gazette website at www.canadagazette.gc.ca or by contacting the CFIA at (613) 225-2342.

• A backgrounder outlining the proposed amendments is available on the CFIA web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 228-6682

• Main Page - BSE in North America