THE Government's latest BSE scare over British beef has been described as "farcical" by Bury's butchers.
Despite a ban on the sale of beef on the bone, many meat traders in the town centre were yesterday continuing to sell joints such as T-bone steaks, ribs of beef and oxtail although it is felt stock will become unavailable by the end of next week.
Tesco's have withdrawn all beef-on-the-bone products as a precaution while Asda, Kwik Save and independent chains of butchers were awaiting announcements from their head offices on the issue.
Latest evidence states that BSE can be transmitted through bone marrow, although risk of contamination is minimal.
Butcher Brian Riley of J F Carter's in the indoor market described the latest scare as a further mis-informed attack by the Government on the British beef market.
"There is no real evidence to support a nationwide ban which has come at the wrong time with Christmas just around the corner," he said.
"Consumer confidence in British beef was on the increase but this latest farcical scare will further damage the meat market."
Scotch Beef in the outdoor market will keep stocks to a minimum for the weekend although a complete withdrawal of boned beef products will take place once the ban has been made official.
Mr Martin Bennett of Bennett's Quality Meats in Princess Parade is also continuing to supply beef on the bone after being advised by the Meat and Livestock Commission while Asda's three supermarkets in the borough and Kwik Save will respond to any withdrawal decisions made by their parent companies.
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