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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien) of 2 February to the hon. Member for Lewes, on xenotransplantation, what disposal methods are authorised for meat from pigs subject to xenotransplantation procedures under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if such meat is deemed suitable for human consumption. [111049] Mr. Denham: [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The Home Office Code of Practice for the Humane Killing of Animals under Schedule 1 to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 lists appropriate methods for the killing of animals regulated by the Act and advice on disposal of carcases. Meat from genetically modified animals, such as those used in some xenotransplantation procedures, cannot enter the food chain without approval under the Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulations (258/7). Genetically modified animals would fall within the category of "foods and food ingredients containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms within the meaning of Directive 90/220/EEC". Before approval could be granted an application would have to be made within the European Union seeking clearance for meat from such animals to be placed on the market. Any application would have to demonstrate that the meat was safe for human consumption. No applications under the Novel Food Regulations have been made relating to meat from animals used in xenotransplantation procedures.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

344 c912W; 111049

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Animal experiments Food Meat Pigs Xenotransplantation

Legislation

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986