Sir Kenneth Calman, former chief medical officer, criticises the former chief veterinary officer Keith Meldrum for failing to pass on vital evidence of the dangers posed by BSE. Sir Kenneth also says his own reassurances to the public that beef was safe to eat did not mean there was no risk.

The inquiry also hears from families of other vCJD victims. They say the NHS treated victims with insensitivity, and tell how they had to accept the liming of their loved ones’ bodies before burial.

In September the cattle tracing system is launched and two months later EU agriculture ministers agree to lift the ban on exports of British beef.

The following year a compulsory cull of cows born on or after 1 August 1996 to BSE cases confirmed before 25 November 1998 is introduced.