Can you get Mad Cow from gelatine?

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder in cattle. The majority of BSE cases are caused by an infectious agent known as a prion, a type of abnormal protein that can cause normal proteins in the brain to misfold.

Gelatine is a protein derived from collagen, which is found in the connective tissues of animals. In the production of gelatine, collagen is extracted from animal bones, skin, and tendons, and then processed into a powder or sheet form.

Although gelatine is a protein derived from animals, it is not known to transmit BSE. Prions are not found in the connective tissues of animals, and the processing and purification methods used in the production of gelatine effectively remove any potential prion contamination.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the safety of gelatine and has concluded that it does not pose a risk for BSE transmission. Gelatine is widely used in the food industry as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent, and it is generally considered safe to consume.

However, it is important to note that the safety of gelatine may depend on the source of the collagen and the manufacturing process. To ensure the safety of gelatine, it is essential to purchase gelatine from reputable manufacturers and to follow the recommended handling and storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.