Letter: BSE scare

Dr J. E. M. Midgley
Friday 05 December 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Once again we see the Government unable to give a sensible response to the BSE crisis ("Beef on the bone is banned in new scare", 4 December). We are told every step has been taken to eliminate affected cattle from the food chain. We are also told that the chance of getting BSE-related CJD from the tissues newly under suspicion is minimal. Given these assurances, why do the Government propose to ban cuts of beef on the bone?

Why do they not simply inform us of the situation and let us make our own minds up as to whether or not to buy and eat beef on the bone? Personally, I like oxtail and other bone-bearing meats. I wouldn't stop eating them, even given the Government's warnings, because I'm prepared to take the risk, which I believe for me is vanishingly small. I'm 63.

Dr J E M MIDGLEY

Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in