Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement regarding the EU's requirements with regards to sausage skins.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the EU's requirements with regards to sausage skins. [77049] Ms Blears: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that, in the knowledge of a theoretical risk of BSE in sheep, the Agency has recommended to the European Union (EU) Commission that sheep intestines, used to make some sausage casings, be added to the EU list of specified risk material (SRM) prohibited from the food chain. The EU scientific steering committee (SSC) considered at its September meeting the most recent data on BSE and sheep intestines. The SSC decided not to recommend, at this time, the addition of sheep intestines to the list of SRM. At the same time, differing scientific opinions on the effectiveness of processing sheep intestines, in removing potential infective material should BSE be present in a sheep, were acknowledged. The Agency has subsequently suggested to the Commission that experts be called together at EU level to achieve better common understanding. The Commission has agreed to this. In the meantime, there are no restrictions on the sale or use of such sausage casings pending any decision at the EU level.

Secondary information