EU news in brief

6 October 2000



EU news in brief

• NEW specified risk material controls for cattle were introduced throughout Europe this week, as agreed by EU farm ministers last June. Under the rules, all member states have to destroy the skull, tonsils, spinal cord and ileum from cattle over 12 months old.
  
  Continental farmers may be asked by their meat trades to share the cost of disposal.

• SIX new cases of BSE were confirmed in France this week, bringing the total number to 55 this year, compared with 30 for the whole of last year.
  
  Three of the latest cases were found under the Prionics post-mortem testing programme for fallen stock in high-risk areas, introduced last June. All six herds, totalling 1178 animals, have been destroyed.

• HELSINKI and Parma are emerging as the favourites to host the new European Food Authority, ahead of Barcelona and Bonn, reports Agra Europe.
  
  The Finns argue that, as a small nation, they can offer impartiality and a tradition in food safety. The Italians say Parma has a reputation for food excellence and is close to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome.
  
  A final decision is expected in December.

• LEADERS of EU farm body COPA met current EU president Jacques Chirac of France last week to insist that cuts in support already agreed under Agenda 2000 should not be taken any further as a result of impending World Trade Organisation talks.
  
  Mr Chirac said he was determined to ensure those terms were respected.