Welshpool avoids cloning scandal

Local Trading Standards chiefs have confirmed that Welshpool and its surrounding communities are free from the cloned animal meet scandal which rocked the UK yesterday (Wednesday).

 

But they have issued a sharp reminder to all sectors of the business to be sure that all food they produce or sell complies with strict legislation.

 

The reassurance came from Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed yesterday products from the offspring of cloned animals have entered the UK food chain.

 

The FSA’s investigation has been wide-reaching and has involved farming organisations, the dairy industry, breed associations and local authorities, including the county council. The investigation has confirmed that none of the animals involved were located on any Powys holdings.

 

Ken Yorston, the council’s Trading Standards Manager, said: “Although the FSA have stated that whilst there is no evidence that consuming products from healthy clones or their offspring poses a food safety risk, meat and milk products from clones and their offspring are considered novel foods would need authorisation from the FSA before being placed on the market.

 

“Food business operators would need to submit a novel food application and authorisation granted at a European level before any such food is places on the market. The FSA is the UK authority responsible for receiving such applications.

 

“The penalty for failing to comply with the Novel Foods Regulations is a fine of up to £5,000. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided when further information becomes available.”

 

Food business operators who have any questions or information that could be useful during this investigation can contact the FSA by emailing foodincidents@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.