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This research project aims to establish if bovine MRM was a significant source of BSE infected material and then to provide as much information on the historic use of MRM between 1980 and 1995.
This project takes the form of a comprehensive survey to try to establish the use of mechanically recovered meat (MRM) from cattle during the period 1980 to 1995.
<p>This information has been requested by independent scientists on the Government’s expert Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) and will help to improve estimates of the possible exposure of people to BSE and the risk of contracting vCJD from consuming meat products that contained MRM during that period.
<p>Until 1995 the inclusion of MRM obtained from any bovine bones in food was legally permissible and there is no suggestion that any food company has broken the law in incorporating this material into processed meat products. <P>
The final report, "<a href="http://www.foodbase.org.uk/results.php?f_report_id=217" target="_new">Audit of the Sources of BSE Infectivity in Human Food</a>" is available at Foodbase, an open access repository of the <acronym title="Food Standards Agency">FSA</acronym>.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.