 Local
MSP Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development,
recently announced that controls under Scottish Regulations to enforce the
new EC rules on the treatment and disposal of animal by-products, including
fallen stock, would now be introduced by 1 October this year.
“Following detailed consultations with key stakeholders like the NFU of
Scotland, it has been necessary to delay the implementation date by two
months. This will enable the remote area definition in respect of Islands
such as Arran to be finalised and allow for the Regulations to be laid
before the Scottish Parliament. It will also enable further consideration to
be given to alternative options for a revised national scheme for the
disposal of fallen stock on the mainland, and other animal by-product
disposal issues” said Mr Wilson.
“The introduction of the legislative measures to enforce the new EC rules in
Scotland will enhance and strengthen the existing statutory framework and
bring real benefits in terms of protecting the public and improving animal
and environmental health standards.”
“I am however, aware that there are still a number of practical issues that
need to be resolved including the disposal of butchers waste, rejected cans
of petfood and separating meat or fish waste from other waste foodstuffs at
retail level.”
“In view of this, I have agreed to postpone the implementation date for the
animal by-products legislation so that these controls are brought into force
by 1st October this year. This will also give all key stakeholders the
breathing space they need to ensure that they are in a position to comply
with the requirements of the EC Regulations” said Mr Wilson.
NOTES
1. The EC Animal By-Products Regulation has applied since 2 May 2003.
2. Until the EC Regulation is implemented into law by 1 October 2003, the
existing enforcement arrangements for disposal of fallen stock and other
types of animal waste will continue to apply.
3. The Executive launched a consultation exercise on its implementation
proposals on 7 February.
4. It was originally intended to introduce the new controls on 1 August. |
