Intersessional Papers - 2003
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Chicken products with added water and protein
This paper sets out the background to and rationale for action to restrict the practices of adding excess water to chicken, and the use of non-chicken animal proteins in these products.
Development of tests for scrapie and BSE at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA)
This note provides a brief summary of the work on tests for scrapie and BSE currently underway at the VLA (Veterinary Laboratories Agency).
EC harmonisation of reporting limits for nitrofurans
This information paper follows discussions at the June 2003 Board meeting. The paper sets out the background to the harmonisation of reporting limits across the EU for illegal veterinary medicines such as nitrofurans and chloramphenicol in certain foods.
FSA response to Home Office public consultation on access to communications data June 2003
The FSA (acting through its executive agency the Meat Hygiene Service in England, Scotland and Wales, and through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Veterinary Service in Northern Ireland) is the enforcement authority in respect of around 1700 licensed premises in the UK producing meat for sale for human consumption.
FSA response to public consultation on access to communications data May 2003
The Board will be aware that the Home Office is undertaking a public consultation on the regulation of access to communications data by public bodies. The aim of the consultation is to inform the determination of the appropriate balance between respecting privacy and protecting the public from crime.
Food Law Offences: Sentencing
This information paper is in response to the discussion at the September 2002 Board Meeting about the seriousness of food law offences and whether the Agency could provide information to help Magistrates with sentencing decisions.
Joint code of practice on quality assurance in research
The Agency, together with Defra, BBSRC and NERC, has developed a Joint Code of Practice on Quality Assurance in Research.
Legitimate uses of nitrofurans in food
This information paper is in response to the discussions at the March 2003 Board Meeting concerning the detection of nitrofurans in animal produce from third countries including Thailand and Brazil and most recently in poultry meat from Portugal.
OTM rule: Agency advice
At the meeting 10 July 2003, the Board agreed a number of recommendations following discussion of the OTM Rule Review Core Stakeholder Group report and the outcome of consultation (Paper 03/07/02).
Radioactivity in wild salmon
This information paper follows discussions at the July 2003 Board meeting. The paper gives the available information on levels of radioactivity in wild salmon.
SRM in intervention beef
Since August 2002, there have been 20 cases where spinal cord (which is SRM), has been found in imported intervention beef (eleven from Spain, eight from Germany and one from France).
TSEs and deer
At the March 2003 open meeting, Board members requested that the Chief Executive keep them informed of further developments with TSEs in other species, especially deer.
UK controls on imported food
The Board agreed on 22 October 2001 a paper on ways of improving UK controls on imported food. In May and July 2003 they were informed of the Agency's work plan for improving the co-ordination and delivery of import controls as part of the work going on across central government to address issues raised in the government review of import controls.
Update on reaching the catering industry
In November 2002, the Board discussed the challenges for the Agency in reaching the catering industry. A paper was presented at the March 2003 Open Board Meeting.