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04/11/2002
BSE risk as spinal cord found in imported beef
Spinal cord, which is normally removed after slaughter to reduce the risk of BSE being passed on to humans, has been found in beef imported from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland.
Bovine spinal cord, which is classified by European law as 'specified risk material', is among those parts of the animal most likely to contain BSE and must be removed immediately after slaughter, stained, and disposed of safely.
The discovery, made during an inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Veterinary Service on October 31, 2002, involved four quarters of beef out of a consignment of 210 beef quarters being unloaded at Vanstar Meats in Bessbrook. The Food Standards Agency said that the receiving company was not responsible for the problem which is the seventh case of SRM in imported beef from the Republic of Ireland.
The intercepted beef quarters have been sent for disposal under the supervision of the DARD Veterinary Service. The rest of the consignment was checked by the DARD officials and found to be in full compliance with the relevant legislation.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of the Republic of Ireland and the European Commission have been notified of this breach.
Official figures show that in the Republic of Ireland, 24 animals out of 327,234 healthy animals tested positive for BSE during the period January - August 2002.
(SP)
Bovine spinal cord, which is classified by European law as 'specified risk material', is among those parts of the animal most likely to contain BSE and must be removed immediately after slaughter, stained, and disposed of safely.
The discovery, made during an inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Veterinary Service on October 31, 2002, involved four quarters of beef out of a consignment of 210 beef quarters being unloaded at Vanstar Meats in Bessbrook. The Food Standards Agency said that the receiving company was not responsible for the problem which is the seventh case of SRM in imported beef from the Republic of Ireland.
The intercepted beef quarters have been sent for disposal under the supervision of the DARD Veterinary Service. The rest of the consignment was checked by the DARD officials and found to be in full compliance with the relevant legislation.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of the Republic of Ireland and the European Commission have been notified of this breach.
Official figures show that in the Republic of Ireland, 24 animals out of 327,234 healthy animals tested positive for BSE during the period January - August 2002.
(SP)
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