Europe raises VC age limit to 30 months

The European Commission today adopted the long awaited Regulation raising the age limit at which vertebral column must be removed from beef from 24 to 30 months. It follows a three month scrutiny period by the European Parliament.

The Regulation, based on scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), increases the age at which the vertebral column of slaughtered cattle must be removed from 24 to 30 months.

This measure is one of the EU measures set out in the TSE Roadmap in July 2005 which have been made possible by the improvement in the BSE situation, while maintaining the highest levels of food safety and consumer protection.

Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Health, said: "Today's decision is a further reflection of the progress Europe has made in the battle against BSE. The Commission took into account the latest scientific knowledge, and discussed this extensively with Member States and the European Parliament. We are confident that the high level of consumer protection provided by our BSE rules over the past decade will be maintained."

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