---

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Diana Organ: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to allow the use of biodigestion as a possible system for disposal of fallen stock; and whether she has promoted this method at EU level. [107697] Mr. Morley: Although no representations have been made at a European level I have received some correspondence from UK companies on the biodigestion of fallen stock. The biodigestion of animal by-products is not a permitted disposal route. However, the EU Animal By-Products Regulation may allow for novel disposal methods, such as biodigestion, to be permitted after consultation of the appropriate scientific committee. I understand that the EU Commission is considering for approval a number of alternative processes that have already been submitted by the industry. The Commission requires any submitted data to be structured in accordance with the 5 key components of the Framework prepared by the Commission's Scientific Steering Committee to assist the assessment of the risk from different options for the safe disposal or use of animal products. The key components cover: the identification and characterisation of the risk materials; the TSE risk reduction by the particular process; the degree of risk containment; the identification of interdependent processes; and the intended end-use of the product.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

107697; 403 c362W;403 c362-3W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Animal products EU law Disease control Livestock Microbiology Regulation Waste disposal Transmissible encephalopathies

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk