The Food Standards Agency reports that it has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from a bull aged over 48 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at over 48 months of age.
It is very unlikely that the bull was infected with BSE and as specified risk material (SRM) was removed, any risk to human health is extremely low. SRM is that part of the animal most likely to contain BSE infectivity.
The bull, aged 88 months, was slaughtered at S J Norman & Sons’ abattoir in Bridport, Dorset on 3 February 2011. The error was discovered on 5 April in the course of routine cross-checks of slaughter and BSE test data.
According to BSE regulations, the untested bull should not have entered the food supply. However, by the time the failure was discovered, the carcass had left the premises.
Subsequent checks indicate that all the meat from the carcass is no longer traceable and is likely to have been eaten.
Source: Food Standards Agency
