Food Standards Agency
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Listen to this siteWednesday 25 June 2003
This research project aims to determine if cattle carcasses are contaminated with spinal cord material from any one previously processed carcass.
Study Duration : April 2000 to March 2002
Contractor : Silsoe Research Institute
To undertake research to establish the extent of transfer of central nervous system (CNS) material during the splitting of bovine carcasses. CNS material is banned from entering the food chain as it is a specified risk material. It is known that individual carcasses are contaminated with CNS material (spinal cord) during splitting. This study aims to determine if carcasses processed subsequently are also contaminated with material from any one previously processed carcass. The study is an extension of an ongoing project, part funded by the EU.
The study examined swab samples, by three independent, sensitive and complementary analytical techniques. The samples were taken from carcasses that had been split using different saw configurations under both experimental and commercial conditions. In addition, the aerial dispersion of CNS material during splitting was assessed.
Results from both controlled experiments under research abattoir conditions and at commercial abattoirs in UK, and 7 other European states, have further indicated that CNS material is deposited on the medial carcass surfaces, particularly those cut by the splitting saw. Also, and perhaps more importantly, higher levels of CNS material remain in splitting saws after washing. The consequences of these results are currently more profound in countries outside UK where BSE is present, since the present OTM scheme in UK prevents potential BSE cattle from entering the food chain. However, when cattle of all ages are processed on the same food line there exists a distinct possibility that cross-contamination from a BSE positive carcass could occur. Saw washing techniques need to be improved and their use enforced through more stringent inspection procedures.
Project completed - Final report is currently being evaluated by the Agency.
Contact
: Stephen Dixon
Tel
: 020 276 8342 (Intl. +44 (0) 20 7276 8342)
Email
: stephen.dixon@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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