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552/05


23 November 2005
PET FOOD MANUFACTURER FINED FOR MAKING UNAUTHORISED CLAIMS

Burns Pet Nutrition Ltd and company secretary Mr John Burns have each been found guilty of two offences under Regulation 3 of the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994.

The charges concerned two pet feeds for which claims for medicinal effects were made. Any product for administration to animals and which makes claims for medicinal effects is considered, under European Law, to be a veterinary medicine. All veterinary medicines placed on the market in the UK are required to be authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

The case was brought after the company failed to comply with advice given by the VMD on the appropriate marketing of the feeds.

After a three-day trial at Llanelli Magistrate's Court, both defendants were found to be guilty of all charges. Burns Pet Nutrition Ltd was fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,181. Mr Burns was fined a total of £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,181.



Notes for Editors

1. The following charges were laid:

Burns Pet Nutrition Ltd - 2 x Regulation 3 of the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994 (placing on the market of an unauthorised veterinary medicinal product),

John Burns - 2 x Regulation 3 of the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994 (placing on the market of an unauthorised veterinary medicinal product).

2. Since the charges were laid, new legislation has come into effect. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005 consolidate the previous legislation.

3. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an executive agency of Defra. Further information can be found on the website http://www.vmd.gov.uk/.

END

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