In Italy, which detected the first suspected case of mad cow disease among its cattle last week, consumption has dropped by 40 percent. Nine of the 15 EU nations reported falls in consumption, with other major sufferers being Spain, sliding 35 percent, Germany, down by 33 percent, Portugal, showing a 30 percent fall, and Belgium, seeing a 25 percent slump. Denmark, Netherlands, and Ireland went unscathed, recording no drop in consumption, while in Finland, Sweden and the UK there were small increases in consumption by up to three percent. European Union countries have stepped up testing of slaughtered cattle for signs of mad cow disease to counteract public fears. But recorded cases of the disease are continuing to appear, including in countries such as Germany and Spain that had considered themselves free of the disease.
More testing reveals more cases.
We can only try to convince consumers with the measures we take that the risk from beef is at a low a level as possible. We began with the idea that beef consumption would fall by just 10 percent over the year, but the fact that it is now 27 percent doesn't mean it will end the year at that figure. Last month EU farm ministers approved a programme to destroy all older non-BSE tested cattle to keep them out of the food chain, affecting up to two million animals. All cattle over 30 months are required to be proven BSE-free before the beef can be sold. Meat from any that are not tested may not enter the food chain.