Pre Harvest Legislation

Question 1

What is a reason why food chains are so complex?

Answer 1

Globalisation, for example feed products may be produced in one country, animals reared in another and consumers in another still!

Question 2

Why is it particularly important to have good regulation in place for farming?

Answer 2

If a mistake is made low down the food chain it will affect far more people further up the chain, i.e. consumers.

Question 3

What is the role of:

a) Council of EU
b) European comission
c) European Parliament

Answer 3

a) passing of laws and legislation (along with european parliament)
b) Drafts legislation and ensures member state compliance
c) Democratically elected, passes laws/legislation

Question 4

What are:

a) Regulations
b) Directives
c) Decisions

Answer 4

a) Binding and directly applicable LAWS in member states
b) Binding OBJECTIVES. These must be transposed into legislation by the member states
c) Fully binding, used in separate/individual cases

Question 5

What things should one be aware of legally as a farm animal veterinarian?

Answer 5

EU food hygiene regulations
Notifiable diseases
Veterinary drug prescription, application and witholding times

Question 6

What are private regulations?

Answer 6

Farm assurance schemes. These are generally standards set by the food processor, supermarket, or things like organic food/welfare (soil association/RSPCA).

These often use public legislation as a basis

Question 7

What food chain information are farmers required to provide?

Answer 7

Origin of animals and their markings
Tb Status
Withdrawal periods
Evidence of disease that would affect public health
Pre harvest risks to human health

Question 8

What food chain information should be provided with regards to disease/veterinary treatments?

Answer 8

Condition of animals
Drugs applied, the date and withdrawal period
Movement restrictions?
Analysis of samples?