BSE testing at factories set to fall next January

THE number of BSE active surveillance tests is to be reduced from next January, according to the European Commission.

At the June Council of EU agriculture ministers, the Belgian delegation, supported by Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Ireland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia sought reduction of testing as soon as possible.

Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said a European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) evaluation is expected in July, and a revised surveillance programme could enter into force next January.