EU lifts four-year ban on T-bone steak

THE popular T-bone steak, which once teased the taste-buds of the Irish, is to be allowed back in butchers’ shops and on hotel and restaurant menus following a decision by the EU to lift a four-year ban imposed on it over BSE fears.

Sales of beef containing the backbone of animals aged over-12 months were banned in 2001 in many European countries to reduce the risk of catching the human equivalent of BSE. This limit effectively outlawed T-bone steaks.

EU veterinary experts agreed in Brussels yesterday to raise it to 24 months, following advice from the European Food Safety Authority. This means T-bones are likely be back on sale in butchers’ shops and on menus across Europe by the end of the year.

A continuing fall in the number of BSE cases, an increase in the average age of infected animals and new research led to the conclusion it would be safe to ease measures in relation the removal of certain specified risk material in animals.

This is expected to have a positive impact on the competitiveness of farmers and meat industries. It will also reduce the amount of specified risk material waste generated in the EU.