Volume 4: The Southwood Working Party, 1988-89
1. Introduction to Southwood
The proposal of a ruminant feed ban

1.16 On 6 May 1988 Mr William Rees, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), submitted his recommendation to Ministers that animal feed manufacturers should be asked to withdraw ruminant feed made with meat and bone meal, on a voluntary basis (see vol. 3: The Early Years, 1986-88). This included a statement that the proposed ban would not in any way be seen as pre-empting the Southwood Working Party as it would be introduced primarily for animal health reasons, whereas the emphasis of the Southwood Working Party was on the public health implications. ¹