May 17, 2006

British authorities investigates slaughterhouse for breach of regulations

A piece of spinal cord left in a beef carcass sent to a cutting plant in Northern Ireland has set in motion a full investigation from the British Meat Hygiene Service.

The spinal cord was found in a carcass quarter of an over 30-month-old animal slaughtered at the Pickstoc slaughterhouse in England--a violation of mad cow disease regulations.

The carcass had been given an official health mark at the slaughterhouse and was sent to Vanstar Meats in Northern Ireland.

Authorities said the carcass should not have been approved in the first place.

The remainder of the consignment of 208 carcasses was checked and found to be clear of banned materials.