Press Release: Commission approves further protection measures against BSE

On 7.2.01, the European Commission agreed three proposals for Commission Decisions to further combat any risk related to exposure to BSE. The first one obliges the removal of the vertebral column from all cattle over 12 months. In addition, mechanically recovered meat will be forbidden from all bones of ruminants. The second concerns new requirements to pressure-cook rendered animal fats from ruminants for food and feed. The third one authorises certain hydrolysed proteins from fish and feathers. The proposals of the Commission take into account the Opinion of the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) of 12.1.01 and follow the political orientation expressed at the Agriculture Council of 29.1.01.