BSE - No hidden European epidemic

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BBC Wednesday, 13 June, 2001, 01:32 GMT 02:32 UK

Europe 'has no BSE epidemic'

By BBC Consumer Affairs Correspondent Nicola Carslaw

The latest results of BSE tests carried out on healthy cattle across the EU suggest there is no massive, hidden BSE epidemic in Europe.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) figures show that in the first four months of this year only a tiny fraction of animals tested positive for the disease.

Tests for BSE in cattle destined for the food chain have been underway throughout the European Union since the beginning of the year.

Out of a total 1.7 million healthy animals tested, the figures show that by the end of April the number of positive cases reported were:

Spain 22 (from 73,859 tested) France 21 (from 623,349) Germany 13 (from 613,550) Belgium (10 from 97,311) Italy 7 (from 64,351) Holland 2 (from 97,794) Irish Republic 1 (from 71,699)

The figures, showing a total of 76 cases across the EU, are encouraging says the FSA.

'Low level' of cases

Agency chairman Sir John Krebs said: "BSE remains the food issue of most concern to consumers and they want to know what is being done to protect them.

"People have been worried about the spread of BSE in Europe but the EU programme of testing animals destined for the food chain shows a very low level of BSE cases. The figures indicate there is no hidden, massive epidemic of BSE in Europe."

However, Sir John warned against complacency.

"The Food Standards Agency continues with 100% checks on imported beef. We will not tolerate any breaches of BSE controls and we will examine any new evidence rigorously," he said.

Sir John said a new leaflet was being launched on Wednesday, together with the Consumers' Association.

New information leaflet

Titled 'BSE and Beef' it describes the BSE controls in place and also explains the various labels that can be found on beef on sale in the shops.

The Consumers' Association hopes the leaflets will be distributed to every butcher's shop and supermarket in the UK.

Its spokeswoman, Mona Patel, said they had been designed to address shoppers' concerns about the nature of the risk of BSE and provide sources of further information.

"It's important people have the chance to understand the issue so they can make choices about safety and the relative levels of risk from eating beef that's produced within the UK or elsewhere," she said.

The figures unveiled on Wednesday, coupled with the leaflet, may offer reassurance to those worried about the risk of beef and BSE.

Whether they will persuade any of those who have stopped eating beef to put it back on their shopping lists remains to be seen.

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2001


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