The measure was designed to restore consumer confidence in beef, but it was only partially successful and there were concerns that beef carved off the bone could still be a vector of BSE, which might infect the human population with variant CJD.

Then in December 1997, on advice from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, the UK government said beef on the bone could not be sold from cattle aged over six months. The move was hugely unpopular with processors, butchers and leading catering establishments.

Indeed, Jim and Jo Sutherland, who run the Lodge Hotel, near Lauder in the Borders, defied that ban and continued to serve rib roasts. They were duly charged and ended up in Selkirk Sheriff Court - where the case was dismissed.

The ensuing controversy attracted worldwide interest and prompted the UK health authorities to have a major rethink. Eventually, in December 1999, sales of beef on the bone were permitted once more.

However, exports of British beef were not allowed to resume until May last year. As part of the arrangement, Brussels decreed that no beef could be sold on the bone from cattle aged over 24 months. Previously the limit throughout the rest of the EU had been 12 months. The UK government accepted this compromise as part of the cost of re-entering the export market, but on the understanding that it would be reviewed by the end of last year by the European Food Safety Agency.

Source: Scotsman.com