Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order contains emergency prohibitions on various activities in order to prevent human consumption of food rendered unsuitable for that purpose in consequence of the circumstances designated in article 2 of the Order, namely a high level of lead in cattle.
The Order designates an area of land in England affected by the above mentioned circumstances (article 3 and the Schedule). Movement out of the designated area of cattle, food and feeding stuffs derived from cattle is prohibited (article 4).
Under section 21 of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 the penalty for contravening an emergency prohibition is—
on summary conviction, a fine of an amount not exceeding the statutory maximum (at present £2,000);
on conviction on indictment, an unlimited fine, or imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or both. Powers of enforcement in relation to emergency prohibitions are conferred by section 4 of, and Schedule 2 to, the 1985 Act. Obstruction of enforcement officers is an offence under paragraph 10 of that Schedule.