NATURAL SAUSAGE CASINGS ASSOCIATION
Newsletter - September 2002

The Scientific Steering Committee of the European Commission met on the 12th and 13th of September to consider the proposal that sheep intestines be added to the list of Specified Risk Material which in effect would result in natural sheep sausage skins be banned for human consumption.

The following press release was issued on 17 September:

"At its meeting 12-13 September 2002, the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) examined the most recent data on the safety with regard of BSE, of sheep casings and concluded that there is no additional or new evidence justifying the possible inclusion of sheep casings in the list of specified risk materials"

The press release also states:

"From the SSC's discussions it can be concluded that there is currently no reason to include sheep casings in the list of specified risk materials as long as there is no evidence that BSE is present in small ruminants under field conditions and there are no indications pointing at an increased likelihood of such being the case".

The Food Standards Agency have stated that they will not impose any unilateral U.K. restrictions on sheep intestines so we are happy to report that natural sheep sausage skins will not be banned and that we can continue to enjoy traditional British sausages made with traditional and natural ingredients.

This is excellent news and we are delighted to report that common sense has prevailed and that this cloud has now been lifted from over our industry and that of the traditional British sausage maker.

The Chairman, Council and members of the NSCA would like to thank you for your help and support during the period of uncertainty and to advise that we look forward to being able to continue to supply traditional natural sausage skins produced to the highest possible standard.