The risk to public health from BSE infectivity has been kept under review. Their analysis, which takes account of current trends in BSE and other relevant factors is that the beef on the bone as it applies to retail sales can now be lifted, whilst allowing consumer choice the CMOs further advice that in light of the continuing uncertainty about the infectivity of bone marrow, the ban on the use of bones for manufactured and processed products should be retained. The Scottish Executive s objective continues to be to protect public health and to maintain confidence in beef and beef products.
Option c is proposed for the reasons described below.
This would allow consumers to choose whether to accept the very small risk of contracting vCJD through consuming BSE infected material associated with beef bones. It would increase confidence in beef and thus would benefit the beef industry. It would enable butchers and restaurateurs to benefit their business by supplying bone-in beef and would relieve food authorities of an enforcement task. Overall, the financial effect would be minor but could be significant for some businesses. It would protect consumers who might wish to avoid any risk associated with beef bone from being supplied with it in circumstances where they could not make a fully informed personal choice.