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National Agricultural Library
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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  4. Contamination by CNS Material during Standard Butchering Processes Prevalent in the Member States of the EU

Contamination by CNS Material during Standard Butchering Processes Prevalent in the Member States of the EU

Objective

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. <p>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.

More information

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.

Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/&quot; target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.

Institution
Silsoe Research Institute
Start date
2000
End date
2002
Funding Source
Food Standards Agency
Project number
M03009