Cutting plants authorised to remove SRM

Under the domestic TSE Regulations, SRM which is vertebral column from bovine carcasses must be removed in a cutting plant which is authorised by the FSA for this activity. SRM which is spinal cord from older sheep or goats may be removed in a slaughterhouse or a cutting plant which is authorised by the FSA.

Separate authorisations must be obtained for each process.

Once an authorisation has been granted it may be amended, suspended or revoked if the FSA is satisfied the conditions by which it was granted are no longer being met as specified in regulations 8 and 9 of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations.

Regulation 10 of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations provides the right to appeal any suspension or revocation notice within 21 days of the date the notice is served. In the event of an appeal, written representation can be made to:

Approvals and Registration Team
Food Standards Agency
Room 112
Kings Pool
1-2 Peasholme Green
York
YO1 7PR

The Approvals and Registration Team will then refer the appeal to the Operations Head Veterinarian who will endeavour to respond within 20 working days of receipt.