MISTAKES led to beef which could have been infected with BSE going into the food chain, the Food Standards Agency claims.

Abattoir workers are supposed to remove parts of cattle carcasses which pose the greatest risk of BSE.

But it has emerged that one carcass that went through a slaughterhouse in Wick, Scotland, may not have had a thymus gland removed from the neck, despite it being "specified risk material".

The meat was then sold on to butchers and more than likely eaten.

Now an investigation has been carried out into the breach.