Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, champions the critical role of environmental health in the next stage of the Border Target Operating Model
The implementation of the second stage of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) on 30th April 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls. As the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), we acknowledge the changes brought about by this new model and the opportunities it presents to enhance biosecurity measures. However, it is crucial to highlight both the risks and the indispensable role environmental health professionals (EHPs) play in this transition. Their enhanced involvement is essential for the success of BTOM.
The second phase of BTOM introduced a risk-based, intelligence-led framework targeting plant and animal products from the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association countries. This aims to streamline SPS controls, making them more efficient and effective. The introduction of documentary, identity, and physical checks at the border for plant and animal products coming from the EU, alongside the centralisation of inspections for high-risk products to border control posts (BCPs) and control points (CPs), represents a significant shift in our approach to biosecurity and places greater pressure on the workforce responsible with these tasks.
EHPs are at the forefront of these changes. Their expertise in environmental health and biosecurity is critical to the successful implementation of BTOM. By conducting thorough inspections and risk assessments, EHPs help safeguard our agricultural industry, natural ecosystems, and public health, ensuring a level playing field for business.
Challenges around the next stage of BTOM
However, the implementation of these measures is challenging. First of which is that the new regime only applies to permitted countries, i.e., EU, EFTA, plus 23 others. Therefore, BCPs will be running a two-tier system of SPS checks – one from permitted countries and another for everyone else. A primary concern is the current shortage of both official veterinarians (OVs) and EHPs to meet the increased demand for inspections. Under existing regulations, only OVs can conduct the full suite of post-mortem checks on meat entering the UK, with EHPs primarily responsible for inspecting fish, despite many EHPs being capable of carrying out the full range of post-mortem meat inspections.
Both the introduction of BTOM and the recent change of government present an opportunity to address this issue by enhancing the role of EHPs at the border to supplement the work being done by our veterinary colleagues. CIEH has actively engaged with the new government, emphasising the importance of collaboration with our veterinarian colleagues to ensure the effective implementation of BTOM and to address the workforce shortages at our ports and borders.
A secure and efficient border control system
It is essential to recognise the long-term benefits of a secure and efficient border control system not only for public health outcomes, but also for how the UK is perceived globally. Preventing the introduction of harmful pests and diseases protects our agricultural industry, natural ecosystems, and the nation’s health. Furthermore, a well-implemented BTOM can enhance the UK’s reputation as a leader in biosecurity, attracting trade partners who value stringent and reliable SPS measures.
To illustrate the importance of BTOM’s second stage, consider African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs. ASF has caused severe economic losses where it has spread, leading to the culling of millions of pigs and devastating the pork industry. The virus is resilient and capable of surviving in various products and environments, which makes its containment challenging. Rigorous checks, carried out by well-resourced teams of OVs and EHPs at our borders, significantly reduce the risk of ASF entering the UK, safeguarding our livestock industry and preventing potentially catastrophic economic and environmental impacts.
Our recently created CIEH Port Health Advisory Panel will guide you in navigating these new regulations. The panel’s expertise in environmental health and biosecurity will ensure that our members remain at the forefront of best practice. As we move forward, we must leverage this expertise, working closely with government and industry to refine and enhance our SPS controls. Unlocking the potential of the profession by enabling EHPs to conduct the full range of post-mortem checks on products of animal origin can help address workforce challenges at our ports and borders.
Protecting the UK from biosecurity threats
In conclusion, the second stage of BTOM is a critical step in protecting the UK from biosecurity threats. While the new measures bring challenges, it remains to be seen whether they exacerbate the risks posed or improve SPS controls at our borders. By embracing a risk-based, intelligence-led approach and enhancing the role of EHPs, with professional recognition, training and the legal powers required to work alongside our veterinary colleagues at the borders, we can safeguard public health, protect our environment, and ensure the smooth flow of trade. CIEH stands ready to support this effort, providing the expertise and partnership needed to navigate this new era in UK biosecurity.
Together, we can turn this regulatory milestone into a success story, demonstrating our commitment to protecting the nation while facilitating sustainable trade.
