Research suggesting BSE may be transmitted in bone marrow is expected to add urgency to attempts to tighten Europe-wide control of high-risk cattle tissue. The EU Scientific Steering Committee meets in Brussels later today in an effort to finalise what measures should be introduced.
The group, which is the EU's most influential committee on BSE policy, is to consider the latest research and attempt to finalise a new BSE directive, primarily in the interests of consumer protection - but also to help stabilise the EU's beleaguered beef industry.
It was evidence that BSE can exist outside the brain and spinal cord - in bone - which led the Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, to advise that Irish beef with bone not be sold by butchers and supermarkets.
The Minister last night rejected accusations by veterinary representatives that he damaged the beef industry and over-reacted by following Britain.
"The British research will be a major part of discussions," according to European committee member, Prof Michael Gibney of Trinity College's nutrition and dietetics unit. The directive, which will spell out what cattle organs should be restricted from the food chain, is due by January. The new evidence is expected to lead to agreement on what additional parts will be classified as "specific risk material"(SRM) - considered potentially sources of BSE.
Prof Gibney believed SRMs would be extended. What should be included was complicated by factors of origin and cattle age - this could preclude a final agreement today.
After a week of turmoil for both Irish and British beef industries, there is a prospect of a better future with confirmation it will be soon possible to sell "guaranteed BSE-free" beef.
State scientists have validated a test developed by an Irish company, Enfer Scientific, which enables detection within two hours. Up to now tests have taken two weeks.
Criticism of the Minister for Health's stance has, however, continued. The Irish Veterinary Association, whose members monitor meat production, accused him of over-reaction. "This is as damaging to public confidence in food today as was the political inaction which allowed the BSE crisis to develop in the first place," IVA spokesman Dr Bill Cashman said. Green Party spokeswoman on agriculture and food Ms Paula Giles said the Minister's "long-fingering of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland", which a year after its announcement had yet to get legislative powers, displayed a dismissive attitude to food safety. "The FSAI should be in a position to advise and set Irish standards. It can't do this without powers."
The FSAI's chief executive, Dr Patrick Wall, who takes up the post this week, was not available for comment.
Mr Cowen said yesterday his warning had not led to any undermining of the "integrity of the beef product". He had no difficulty about continuing to eat T-bone steak. "I have not told anyone not to eat it. But, as Minister for Health, I have another job to do. I have to take advice. My expert CJD committee has a duty of care to the public and I have discharged my response in a way that need not cause a problem to anyone."
After reviewing recent findings of the UK BSE advisory committee, and subsequent proposals of the British authorities, Mr Cowen was advised by his officials that no beef with the backbone attached should be sold.
Rejecting Fine Gael claims that he was "slavishly following" the UK stance, he said he was simply "advising" butchers to remove backbone from beef before sale.
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