Mad Cow Disease: The Great British Beef Scandal

Mad Cow Disease: The Great British Beef Scandal tells the story of Britain’s biggest ever food scandal. Since 1996 almost 200 people have died from vCJD, whilst the cattle disease BSE has been responsible for the death of over four million cows.

Despite more than 20 years of scientific research, scientists are no closer to discovering a cure for it, or even a test to see who is carrying it. And what still alarms researchers is that they don’t know how many people are still carrying the infection nor how many more will die from the disease.

BSE virtually destroyed the British beef industry in the 1990s and vCJD continues to cost the NHS millions of pounds every year. Beneath the statistics is a story of greed, corruption and catastrophic political misjudgment by the then Conservative government.

With access to the politicians, scientists and families who have been defined by this epidemic, this film pieces together a forgotten chapter of our recent history.

Pictured: John Gummer

Publicity contact: LP2