UKASTA fears infection
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• UKASTA, the organisation which represents grain suppliers, is waiting to learn if the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (MAFF) will supply it with a list of hauliers who have been involved in the movement of foot & mouth carcasses.
Two weeks ago UKASTA asked MAFF for a list of operators whose vehicles had been carrying infected carcasses so that it could circulate the information to its members.
It is concerned that vehicles involved in the mass burial could be used to carry foodstuffs later in the year, with the risk of contamination.
Earlier this week a spokeswoman for MAFF confirmed that it had received the request and that its lawyers were examining the issue. "It may contravene agreements that are commercially confidential," she said. "A decision will be made soon."
UKASTA is keen to get its hands on the list as its members do not want to become embroiled in yet another food scare. There is still a fear that second-hand trailers could be used innocently to carry foodstuffs; UKASTA is working with the government to find ways to prevent this.