Following new legislation that was put before Parliament, the role of inspecting and regulating labs handling live animal viruses is to move away from Defra, reports Farmers Guardian.
The role of inspecting and regulating such premises will now fall under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and Defra will maintain its role as a licensor.
The new legislation will come into effect on April 28 and will begin a phased introduction of the new framework.
Related websites:
• Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra)
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)