WIREDGOV

H R Jasper & Son Limited, a red meat slaughterhouse based near Launceston, Cornwall, has been ordered to pay almost £9,000 in fines and costs for failing to remove specified risk material (SRM) from sheep carcasses destined for the food chain.

SRM is the parts of cattle, sheep and goats most likely to carry BSE. All SRM must be removed in either the slaughterhouse or, in certain circumstances, cutting plant. It must not enter the food chain.

The company entered not guilty pleas on six charges and, following a two day hearing, was convicted on all counts.

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer at the FSA, said: 'The meat industry has worked hard over many years to restore confidence in the safety of UK meat. Unfortunately, some companies occasionally fail to meet the standards which underpin the strict and successful system of controls we have in place to tackle BSE. As the enforcer of those regulations we will take action against any company that potentially puts consumers at risk.'

The case was heard at Truro Magistrates’ Court on 29 April 2014. More information about the BSE controls can be found at the link below.