Protecting Public Health
The requirement to protect public health underpins many of our activities.
For example, in England and Wales we check that a satisfactory standard of hygiene is maintained in relation to the nation's raw milk supply.
We inspect dairy cows, milk parlours and equipment and where necessary take action to ensure that acceptable standards are maintained.
We also check that standards of egg production are maintained and that eggs imported for human consumption meet the same standards. We regularly assess and report the prevalence of salmonellosis in poultry and we check that eggs are correctly labelled and that marketing regulations are being complied with.
Animal carcases and products of animal origin not fit for human consumption must be safely used or disposed of and must not enter the human food chain. We check compliance with the regulations here.
And we administer a scheme known as the Pet Passport scheme, part of the government's defence measures for rabies and certain other diseases. It allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules.
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Page last modified: 14 August 2007
Page published: 14 August 2007