At that time it was reported in the UK House of Commons, and the statement of the Scottish Secretary indicated Government acceptance of, and funding for, the recommendations, and that there would be appropriate legislation after consultations. From the preventive viewpoint, the recommended measures to guard against cross-contamination from raw to cooked meats are crucial. E. Coli O157 is not just a Scottish problem, but a life-threatening problem nationwide. The Government's rejection of the Pennington recommendations amounts to putting deregulation dogma and the interests of a sectional lobby above the requirements of food safety.
Many butchers already segregate cooked and raw meats successfully.
There is no reason why others should be allowed to fail to meet this necessary safety measure. Any butchers who cannot do so should not be allowed to handle cooked meats. The Institute takes every possible care in compiling, preparing and issuing the information contained in IFST Position Statements, but can accept no liability whatsoever in connection with them. Nothing in them should be construed as absolving anyone from complying with legal requirements. They are provided for general information and guidance and to express expert interpretation and opinion, on important food-related issues.