Food Standards Agency
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Views sought on 'novel' status of food from descendants of cloned cattle and pigs
The Agency has written to stakeholders to seek their views on a potential change in its interpretation of the Novel Foods Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 258/97) in respect of food from the descendants of cloned cattle and pigs. The regulation applies to any food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.
Before any new food product can be marketed in the EU, it must be assessed rigorously for safety and be authorised for sale.
The letter sent to interested parties can be found via the link below.
FSA Board decision
At its meeting on 7 December 2010, the FSA Board made clear its position that the marketing of products obtained from cloned animals should continue to be subject to the Novel Foods Regulation, and require authorisation. However, based on the available evidence, the Board agreed that there are no food safety grounds for regulating food such as meat and milk from the descendants of cloned cattle and pigs.
Your views
The Agency is seeking comments by Thursday 10 February, following which the Agency will confirm its final interpretation of the regulation in respect of cloned animals and their offspring.
If you have any comments that you would like the FSA to consider before making the proposed change in its advice, please provide them in writing, to:
Novel Foods Unit
Food Standards Agency
4C Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6NH
