Regulatory functions
BSE
LGC began testing bovine brain stem samples for the presence of
abnormal prion proteins, the indicator of BSE infection, in 2001
under contract to the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
In January 2009 the ‘industry’ assumed responsibility for funding
the testing. Current legislation requires that the brainstem from
all bovines aged over 48 months destined for the food chain be
tested for BSE, and this age limit may increase as the incidence of
BSE declines.
Key and unique attributes of LGC’s BSE test service that ensure
abattoirs receive the best and most reliable service possible
are:
- Unrivalled experience - Over 8 years'
experience of high throughput BSE testing, over 2.4 million
brainstem samples tested to-date.
- System resilience - BSE test laboratories in
Runcorn, Exeter and Edinburgh. Formal HACCP and Disaster Recovery
Plans that are regularly tested to ensure continuity of service to
abattoirs.
- Test capacity - Nightly test capacity of over
5,000 samples – we can always cope with daily and seasonal
variations in sample numbers.
- Reliable and robust test methodology - LGC uses
the EU approved BSE test kit supplier (Bio-Rad) – we receive
technical support (via specific LGC ‘hotline’) over 24 hours and
365 days pa to ensure system resilience. Bio-Rad holds emergency
test kit stock in the UK and in multi-site locations in Europe to
ensure continuity of supply to LGC.
- Customer support - A dedicated BSE Customer
Services Team and a BSE Operations Manager available 24 hours a
day.
- LGC experts available to visit abattoirs for
advice on all aspects of BSE test systems, e.g. brainstem sampling,
IT links etc.
- Sample transport - A dedicated BSE sample
transport system for England, Scotland and Wales with compensation
for sample loss.
- Sample packaging - Supply of packaging that is
compliant with Defra and Department of Transport requirements.
Supply of barcode labels.
- Data receipt and results delivery - A tried and
tested electronic system for receiving sample information from
abattoirs.
- A tried and tested web page for receipt of
results by abattoirs (or fax).
- We offer alternatives to abattoirs if their
system fails and we don’t receive their data file, e.g. they can
send in passports/info on memory stick/fax abattoir records
etc.
- A tried and tested electronic invoicing
system.
The LGC BSE laboratories regularly receive visitors from a range
of countries who have an interest in BSE testing and the control of
animal disease.
Contact details
For more information, contact
Rona Lorimer
+44 (0)1928 511450
Rona.Lorimer@lgc.co.uk
General:
+44 (0) 208 943 7000
info@lgc.co.uk