Boost for farmers as rules relaxed

A Shropshire Euro MP says county farmers have been given a boost after the European Commission agreed to relax rules on processing slaughtered beef on the bone.

Beef may now be taken off the vertebral column of animals up to 30 months old, rather than 24 months previously due to the decreasing risk of BSE or Mad Cow Disease.

Liz Lynne, MEP for Shropshire and West Midlands and Lib Dem European agriculture spokesperson for England and Wales, welcomed the decision which she said would benefit the meat industry.

She said: "This decision is good news for local farmers and consumers alike as it shows increasing confidence in the safety of our meat and its producers. Extensive research shows that the fight against BSE is being won and it is right the rules should be adjusted accordingly.

"The changes will improve the competitiveness of our meat industry and reduce waste disposal costs as less needs to be classified as 'specified risk material' and destroyed.

"The new rules also bring us into line with the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health."

The strict controls were brought in to improve food safety but also had the effect of increasing costs for farmers and processors, as well as reducing the supply of bone-in cuts to customers.