OTM Rule Review timeline
Wednesday 20 July 2005
Find out how a review of the Over Thirty Months Rule led to the establishment of BSE testing of older cattle in November 2005.
July 2002
The Agency launches a review of the OTM Rule. A core stakeholder group representing consumer, scientific and food law enforcement groups is established to inform the process, as well as a risk assessment group (RAG), chaired by Peter Smith, chair of the independent Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Group.
Links
FSA Chair launches Over Thirty Months Rule Review
Stakeholder group meets to consider BSE rule change
March 2003
The Agency launches a formal 12-week consultation on the core stakeholder group's recommendations for replacing the OTM rule. The written consultation follows a series of core stakeholder and risk assessment group meetings, plus a public meeting.
Links
Options considered to replace Over Thirty Month Rule with new controls
FSA consults on its review of Over Thirty Months rule
July 2003
The FSA Board agrees to recommend to Ministers that it would be acceptable on public health grounds to replace the OTM Rule with BSE testing of cattle older than thirty months in two stages. Cattle born after August 1996 could be allowed into the food chain, after being tested for BSE, at the earliest from January 2004, with the possibility of complete replacement of the rule from July 2005.
Links
FSA recommends Ministers replace OTM rule with BSE testing
July 2004
New evidence suggesting that the number of human vCJD cases might be higher than the figure used in the FSA�s risk assessment is discussed at the Agency�s open Board meeting. The Board advises Ministers that, although the FSA is not advocating change, replacing OTM with testing would be justified on risk and proportionality grounds. The Board also agrees to advise Ministers that the OTM rule should not change until an independent group has advised that all the necessary arrangements for testing have been put in place.
Links
Board meeting update July 2004
Board paper July 2004 (pdf file)
September 2004
The Board considers a paper setting out terms of reference for the independent group.
Links
Board meeting update September 2004
Board paper September 2004 (pdf file)
December 2004
The Board considers and approves the independent group's initial report containing its recommendations for a testing regime and agrees that the next stage should be a full trial of the system. Ministers announce the start of a managed transition towards the lifting of the OTM Rule but make clear that the final switch from the OTM Rule to testing should happen only when the FSA has advised Ministers on the system's robustness.
Links
Board meeting update December 2004
Board paper December 2004 (pdf file)
May 2005
The Board discusses the independent group's conclusion that the trials had provided an excellent opportunity to assess the proposed testing system, but agrees that a further round of trials should take place.
Links
Board meeting update May 2005
Board paper May 2005 (pdf file)
July 2005
The Board agrees that the process of preparing for a decision on the possible transition to BSE testing is continuing to move in the right direction and that a final decision would not be taken before all the information is available. It also agrees to amend the terms of reference for the independent group.
Links
Board meeting update July 2005
Board paper July 2005 (pdf file)
August 2005
The Board agrees to advise Ministers that a reliable BSE testing system has now been successfully designed and trialled. It also says that arrangements are now in place to ensure that, should the BSE testing regime be implemented, it would be able to operate across the UK to the highest standards.
September 2005
The Government agrees to replace the Over Thirty Months (OTM) Rule with BSE testing. Ministers also agree to a number of pre-conditions set by the Food Standards Agency to ensure continued consumer protection during implementation.