M03033: Risk assessment of options for change in Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) enforcement of Specified Risk Material (SRM) controls
Thursday 9 October 2003
This research project aims to evaluate the effect of possible changes in enforcement on the risk of exposure to BSE infectious material as part of a review of the MHS.
Background
The FSA are carrying out a review of the functions of the MHS. At the present time a significant amount of effort is directed at the enforcement of the specified risk material (SRM) regulations in abattoirs in the UK. This study will provide a risk benefit assessment of the enforcement effort as part of the overall MHS review.
Research Approach
A risk assessment will be carried out to assess the additional risk of exposure to BSE infectious material as a result of potential changes to the enforcement of SRM regulations. This exercise will be carried out for both the present situation, with the Over Thirty Month Rule in place, and the situation with the OTM rule revised as proposed by the FSA board. On the basis of the level of risk identified in the assessment, a range of control scenarios will be described and the associated impacts on risk reduction for each scenario will then be examined.
The final task is a risk benefit assessment by combining the cost estimates, control measures and risk assessments.