The Food Standards Agency is worried by safety lapses by in abattoirs leading to food being tainted by "potentially fatal" BSE-contaminated material.

One of the most risky cattle parts, the spinal cord, has been found in carcases during spot checks by government vets at two abattoirs in the last year. The news comes as European commission vets prepare to inspect Britain's anti-BSE measures within weeks.

The NHS is to spend £200 million on improving procedures for the sterilisation of surgical instruments to minimise the risk of passing on nvCJD infections. The money will also cover the cost of disposable instruments, such as those used for the removal of tonsils.