'Illegal trade' in cow passports compromises BSE protection - BBC 1/2

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BBC 1/22/05

 

'Illegal trade' in cow passports

 

 

Cattle passports intended to ensure the origin and safety of beef are

being bought and sold on the black market, say trading standards officers.

 

The passports were introduced to stop the spread of BSE and

foot-and-mouth disease, and every British cow bound for the food chain

must have one.

 

But trading standards officers found them being traded for up to £50,

BBC Radio 4's Farming Today has learned.

 

A Lancashire farmer was arrested and freed on bail after an investigation.

 

Paperwork was removed from the man's farm, following the investigation

into the movement of hundreds of animals.

 

'Inadequate'

 

Trading Standards spokesman Derek Smith said: "This could have serious

consequences in terms of confidence in the British meat industry.

 

"Most farmers adhere to the rules and know they are there to restrict

potential diseases.

 

"What we are looking at is probably the biggest breach of the rules seen

in Britain."

 

Government rural advisor Lord Haskins said the discovery highlighted the

inadequacy of the UK's food tracing system.

 

He also questioned whether the passport scheme was worth keeping.