Brussels, 21/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - The spokesman for DG SANCO (public health and consumers) confirmed to the press on 21 August that the Commission was planning to recommend a reduction in the “high risk zone” during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Food and Animal Health planned for Thursday 26 August (EUROPE 9483). Without wishing to make a commitment on the Commission's position, Philip Tod explained that, “given the favourable evolution of the disease we will be looking to see if the high risk zone can be reduced” (it currently covers the whole of the United Kingdom: ED). Regions could see themselves re-categorised into low risk zones and could resume exports of certain animal products. Thursday's meeting is being called because the decision adopted on 8 August, following the discovery of a case of foot and mouth, will be expiring on Saturday 25. (cd)