News Release
July 18, 2003
Government of Canada announces new BSE measure
Edmonton, July 18, 2003 - Agriculture and Agri-food Minister
Lyle Vanclief and Health Minister Anne McLellan today announced
an additional
measure to enhance existing food safety controls regarding
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This new measure requires
that
specified risk materials (SRM) be removed from cattle at slaughter.
This policy takes into account current science and the recommendations
of the international team that examined the investigation into
Canada's single case of BSE.
The international team's report, released June 26, praised the
thoroughness and quality of the work done by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA). As a precautionary measure, the team
recommended that Canada eliminate SRM from product destined for
consumption.
Specified risk materials are tissues that, in BSE-infected cattle,
contain the agent that may transmit the disease. In diseased animals,
the infective agent is concentrated in certain tissues.
The measures announced today will require the removal of such
materials as the brain, and spinal cord from carcasses of cattle
older than 30 months. Scientific research has shown that these
tissues, in cattle younger than 30 months, do not contain the infective
agent. A portion of the small intestine will be removed from carcasses
of all cattle.
"Today's announcement reflects the Government of Canada's
clear commitment to the health and safety of Canadians," said
Minister McLellan. "Canada's food supply is among the safest
in the world and this measure will further protect human health."
"We are taking steps to implement this important measure
as soon as possible," said Minister Vanclief. "By removing
SRM at slaughter we are making a very safe system even safer. It
also further demonstrates to our trading partners that Canada remains
a most reliable and responsible supplier of safe beef and beef
products."
This new SRM policy was developed jointly by the CFIA and Health
Canada and is consistent with international standards. The necessary
steps are being taken to have the policy come into effect July
24, 2003. The Government of Canada will work closely with provincial
and territorial governments and industry to ensure nation-wide
implementation and enforcement.
Both ministers said consultations with the provinces, territories,
industry, and our trading partners will continue on other measures,
such as surveillance and reviewing controls on animal feed, and
that approaches to these additional measures will be decided upon
in the near future.
Further information on SRM is available on the attached fact sheet
and on the following Web sites:
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For more information:
Vern Greenshields
Senior Communications Advisor
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food
(613) 759-1020
Alexander Swann
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 946-3890
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(613) 228-6682
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
(613) 759-7972
Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
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