CZECH REPUBLIC: Borders closed to EU chicken after UK newspaper report

Imports of poultry from the EU were banned by Czech veterinary authorities yesterday [Thursday] following reports in the UK newspaper The Guardian that chicken meat containing protein powder could carry a BSE risk. Frozen chicken sold in the UK could contain beef protein powder, which is added to make the meat absorb more water and allow it to be sold to consumers for greater prices. The newspaper suggested therefore that theoretically consumers could be at risk of BSE contamination from chicken.