This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Animal by-products controls delayed
16/07/2003
Controls under Scottish regulations to enforce the new EC rules on the treatment and disposal of animal by-products, including fallen stock, will now be introduced by October 1 this year.
Following detailed consultations with key stakeholders, Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Allan Wilson said it was necessary to delay the implementation date by two months from August 1 to enable the remote area definition to be finalised and allow for the regulations to be laid before the Scottish Parliament.
The Minister added that it will also enable further consideration to be given to alternative options for a revised national scheme for the disposal of fallen stock, and other animal by-product disposal issues.
He said:
"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 1 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."
The EC Animal By-Products Regulation has applied since May 1. Until the EC Regulation is implemented into law by October 1 the existing enforcement arrangements for disposal of fallen stock and other types of animal waste will continue to apply.