Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I assume the research on BSE referred to by the Deputy is that reportedly conducted by Swiss, British and US researchers and recently published in the journal Science. My understanding is that this research is ongoing.

Decisions on food safety, including questions related to BSE, are constantly kept under review in the European Union and include, where necessary, referral of the results of research such as in this case to the European Food Safety Authority for consideration and review of its findings. The views of that authority are taken into account by the EU Commission in formulating proposals for adoption.

I would not wish to anticipate the conclusions the European Food Safety Authority might reach in this case. However, I will support any Commission proposal to classify organs and other material as "specified risk material" and therefore to be excluded from the food chain if evidence exists that it represents any risk.

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