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Food labelling "is a matter for retailers", says PM
halal meat
BVA is calling for an end to non-stun slaughter.
Prime Minister will not intervene on food labelling

Prime Minister David Cameron will not intervene when it comes to food labelling, the BBC has reported.

The BVA recently launched a Government e-petition calling for a ban on slaughter without pre-stunning.

UK and EU law currently prohibits the practice of non-stun slaughter, with religious exceptions for the production of halal and kosher meat.

BVA states its campaign relates to animal welfare, not religion, as scientific evidence demonstrate that slaughter without pre-stunning compromises welfare.

The organisation notes that 80 per cent of halal meat in the UK is stunned before slaughter.

The humane slaughter debate recently hit national headlines as it was revealed a number of products being sold in leading supermarkets could be classified as halal, but were not labelled as such.

According to reports, retailers have said the animals were stunned before slaughter.

In response, the BBC reports that David Cameron's spokesperson says the Prime Minister will not intervene on the labelling of ritually slaughtered meat as "it is a matter for retailers and restaurants to work with consumer groups and representatives of faith organisations."

While non-slaughter is permitted, BVA is calling for clearer labelling of food to allow consumers to make an informed choice. View the petition online: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/64331


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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'