Spinal cord has been found in frozen beef imported from Germany into the UK, the eleventh case of SRM in imported beef from this country since the ban was imposed. Bovine spinal cord, classified as specified risk material (SRM) following fears over BSE, and is among those parts of the animal most likely to contain BSE infectivity.

Under European law, SRM must be removed immediately after slaughter, stained, and disposed of safely.

The discovery, made during an inspection by the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) on 16 September 2002, involved one hindquarter of frozen beef out of a consignment of 162 beef quarters being unloaded at ADM (UK) Ltd, Eastbourne.

According to a statement from the UK Food Standards Agency the receiving company was not responsible for the problem and they believe the animal was slaughtered in Standard-Fleisch, Schlafthofstrasse in Oldenburg.

The rest of the consignment was checked by the MHS and found to be in full compliance with the relevant legislation and the Chief Veterinary Officer of Germany and the European Commission have been notified of the breach.