(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
These Regulations give effect in part to Article 3.1 of Commission Decision 2000/418/EC regulating the use of material presenting risks as regards transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (O.J No. L158, 30.6.2000, p. 76). That provision requires member States to ensure that certain material from cattle, sheep and goats (“specified risk material”) is removed and destroyed in accordance with the Annex to the Decision. These Regulations amend the Specified Risk Material Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 (S.R. 1997 No. 552, as amended).
The principal amendment is to bring the definition of “specified risk material” in regulation 2(1) of S.R. 1997 No. 552 into line with the definition of that phrase in Commission Decision 2000/418/EC. As a consequence, an amendment is made to regulation 24(9)(b)(ii) of S.R. No. 552, which regulates the disposal of tallow derived from certain specified risk material. A consequential amendment is also made to regulation 14 (prohibition on the removal of brain and eyes).
S.R. 1997 No. 552 is further amended so that—
(a)whole carcases of sheep and goats are deemed to be specified risk material if they are removed to be rendered or incinerated whole from the place where they were slaughtered or died; and
(b)whole carcases of bovines are deemed to be specified risk material if they are removed to be rendered or incinerated whole from the place where they were slaughtered or died.
In consequence of the amendments referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b), regulation 11 of S.R. 1997 No. 552 (rendering whole carcases) is revoked.