§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to provide definitive guidance on the consumption and safety of oxtail soup; and if he will make a statement. [31879]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 27 February 1998]: I assume the hon. Member is concerned about the consumption and safety of oxtail soup following the introduction of the Beef Bones Regulations 1997, in the light of advice from SEAC and the Chief Medical Officer about BSE infectivity being found in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and also, possibly, in bone marrow. Oxtail soup can continue to be manufactured and sold in Great Britain because the processes involved in commercial production of such soup comply with the requirements of the Beef Bones Regulations and are considered not to involve any risk of BSE infectivity. Preparation of oxtail soup by restaurateurs and others for sale direct to the ultimate consumer is, however, prohibited under Regulation 3(2).