UPDATE ON THE RISK OF BSE INFECTED MEAT
The Muslim Council Of Britain
6 November 2002


Dr A Majid Katme, spokesman on Halal Meat and Food for the Muslim Council of Britain, attended a meeting arranged by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on Saturday 2 November 2002. The meeting was organised to provide updates on the BSE and Sheep Stakeholders' Report, released in May 2002.

Sir John Krebs, FSA spokesman, confirmed that although no traces of BSE have been found in sheep, the theoretical risk still exists Recommendation to remove intestine and unnatural feed from animal feed have been complied with since 1996, however the FSA advises against the consumption of a number of Specific Risk Materials with the likelihood of infection from BSE. These materials include the spinal cord, brain, head, eyes, spleen, tonsils and intestine. Furthermore; the FSA recommends the consumption of Lamb under the age of 12 months rather than mutton.

Muslims should be vigilant as statistics show that although they represent about 5% of the population, they consume more than 20% of the sheep on the market. Dr Katme urges that, as Ramadan has just started, all Muslims should check that their meat has been slayed according to Islamic Sharia (Dhabh) and is Halal, where maximum bleeding out has occurred as blood not permitted and is harmful to health. A popular Hadith states…

"Avoid that which is doubtful over that which is not doubtful". (Tirmidhi/Nasa'i)

For further Information please contact Dr Katme on 07944 240622