Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order (which gives effect to article 3.1 of Commission Decision 2000/418/EC regulating the use of material presenting risks as regards transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (OJ. No. L158, 30.6.2000, p.76)) amends the Specified Risk Material Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/2964) in so far as it extends to England. S.I. 1997/2964 extends to the whole of Great Britain.

The Order:

(a)

brings the definition of “specified risk material” into line with that contained in Commission Decision 2000/418/EC; and

(b)

in relation to article 6 of S.I. 1997/2964:

(i)

extends the categories of premises to which SRM must be sent if it is to be imported; and

(ii)

requires food and feedingstuffs containing SRM to be accompanied by a certificate where they are imported from a third country.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment in relation to this Order has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament and copies can be obtained from the BSE and IT Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1A Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ.