How would immunisation of animals for Foot and Mouth affect our food

A.� It would affect the movement of cattle, sheep and pigs from farms to factories or abattoirs and the double pasteurisation of milk.� The implications are not just for farmers, but for food processors and people working in the food industry. In the aftermath of BSE, it also affects consumer confidence.

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Q. Will we be able to buy dairy products from animals that may be vaccinated against the virus

A.� Most of the major supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Tesco have agreed to stock milk products from vaccinated animals, but they want to be given scientific proof of the safety of such foods. The Food Standards Agency says dairy products from vaccinated animals would�be safe to eat, provided the milk used is pasteurised.

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Q. What about meat from vaccinated animals

A.� Again,�most supermarkets have�said�they will stock this meat if the government can guarantee that it poses no health risk to consumers.

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Q.� Can you get the virus through eating meat

A.� There is no risk to humans providing the meat is thoroughly cooked.

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Q. Aren't cows vaccinated against other diseases anyway, before they enter the food chain

A.� According to the Food Standards Agency nearly all milk and meat sold in Britain's supermarkets comes from animals that have received dozens of other vaccinations. Around 33 vaccines are�regularly used on Britain's farm animals.

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By Katharine MacColl