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MINISTERS COMMENT ON INTERNATIONAL REPORT ON BSE

Ottawa, June 26, 2003 - The Ministers of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Health today released to the public the report of the International Team that evaluated Canada’s investigation into the single case of BSE detected in an Alberta cow.

The Ministers indicated that the Government of Canada will be responding quickly to the recommendations of the International Team, in close consultation with provinces, territories, and Canadian industry. Ministers also indicated that close consultations with US officials and other trading partners on moving ahead will be essential given the integrated North American market.

The report recommended actions in a number of areas to further enhance safeguards to human and animal health. The most immediate of these include putting in place a national requirement that certain animal tissues - known as Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) - be removed from products destined for consumption. Other recommended measures include a review of animal feed restrictions; strengthened tracking and tracing systems; improved disease testing and surveillance; and efforts to improve disease awareness among producers, veterinarians and the public.

"Canada’s food supply continues to be safe," said Minister of Health Anne McLellan. "Our number one priority is the health and safety of Canadians. `Health Canada will build on the measures already in place to protect public health and safety.

"Canada has one of the world’s best food safety systems, and we intend to make our system even safer," said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief. "The International Team underlined the quality of the Canadian investigation into this case and the effectiveness of measures already in place in Canada to protect the public. The Government of Canada will quickly respond to the panel’s recommendations. In particular, we agree with the need for early action on SRMs and are committed to introducing changes as quickly as possible."

The international team of animal disease experts travelled to Canada June 7, 2003 to assess the CFIA’s BSE investigation and Canada’s overall BSE protective measures. The team comprised scientists from Switzerland, the United States and New Zealand. The Government of Canada is grateful for the input and advice of such recognized international public and animal health experts and acknowledges their support for the actions Canada is taking.

The report has been translated and is now available in both official languages on the CFIA Website at http://www.inspection.gc.ca.

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For more information:

Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary,
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food
(613) 759-1761

Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(613) 228-6682

Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694

BSE Investigation Background: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/bseesb/bseesbindexe.shtml

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