London - Britain's government yesterday warned butchers who are flouting a ban on selling beef on the bone that they would "face the consequences", as reports said local officials found the ban hard to enforce.
The Labour government imposed the ban in December after scientists discovered a small risk that people could be infected with the human form of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy - BSE) by eating beef cooked on the bone. Those who violate the ban could face a fine of up to £5,000 or a jail term of up to two years.