The Heads of Sheep and Goats Order 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order prohibits the sale for human consumption of any part of the head of a sheep or goat and of food containing any part of such heads. It also prohibits the sale of any part of the head of a sheep or goat for use in the preparation of food for sale for human consumption and the use of any part of such heads in the preparation of such food (article 3). The definition of “the head of a sheep or goat” does not include the tongue and the prohibitions do not apply to the heads of sheep and goats which were born, reared and slaughtered in Australia or New Zealand.

The heads of sheep and goats are required to be removed immediately after slaughter and stained and disposed of in accordance with the Order (articles 4 and 5) except in prescribed circumstances (article 7). The Order also regulates the manner of their disposal (articles 9 and 10).

Conditions are laid down for the rendering of whole carcases (article 6) and for the bringing into Great Britain of heads of sheep and goats from Northern Ireland (article 8).

A Compliance Cost Assessment has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Animal Health (BSE 1) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Government Buildings, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF.