EU-wide ban on "pithing" discussed

The U.K. Food Standards Authority announced recently that public consultation has started on proposals for an EU-wide ban on "pithing" in cattle, sheep and goats - a process by which animals intended for human consumption are immobilised after stunning but before being slaughtered. The proposals - due to come into effect on 1st January next year - would require changes to current UK legislation. They represent the second phase of EU-wide BSE protection measures, announced by the Food Standards Agency on 21st August this year. "Pithing" is the masceration - or mashing - of the brain by a rod introduced through a hole in the beast's skull, made by a captive bolt gun. The ban, a precautionary measure, is being introduced because research has indicated that there is a theoretical possibility that the practice of "pithing" may cause cattle carcasses to be contaminated with brain tissue.