Vol. 553 No. 4
38 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it is expected that t-bone steaks will again be available to consumers following the new advice released by the EU Scientific Committee in May 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13974/02]
Current EU regulations require the removal of the vertebral column from animals aged 12 months or more which has led, in effect, to a ban on t-bone steak.
Last month's announcement by the EU Scientific Steering Committee on the very low risk of BSE being found in animals born after January 2001 paves the way for the Commission to open discussions with member states on raising the age limit for the removal of the vertebral column in cattle born after the feed ban. To date, these discussions have not yet commenced.
