/EIN News/ Friday 24th July 2009
European Commission finally approves in vitro methods to replace cruel rabbit skin irritation test
European Commission finally approves in vitro methods to replace cruel rabbit skin irritation test
The BUAV has today welcomed the announcement by the European Commission of the adoption into EU regulation of an alternative to the cruel rabbit skin irritation test. This means that it is no longer permissible to use rabbits to test the irritation of chemicals, biocides and cosmetics.
The alternative is an in vitro method using skin donated from human volunteers. It is commercially available as EpiSkin, EpiDerm and SkinEthic.
Animal protection groups have been strongly pressing for the EU to finally accept the new method, which was validated by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods in April 2007. We are disappointed, however, that it has take over 2 years for a valid and commercially available method to receive regulatory approval in the EU.
Chief Executive of the BUAV, Michelle Thew states: “The BUAV welcomes this important step forward in eliminating cruel animal tests across the EU. Animal protection groups have been strongly pressing for the EU to accept the new method and we are pleased it has finally happened.”
ENDS
For further information please contact the BUAV press office.
Erin Seymour 020 7619 6978
Out of hours mobile: 07850 510 955 / Email: erin.seymour@buav.org
