Specified risk materials

Specified risk materials (SRMs) are the parts of ruminant animal most likely to be contaminated with TSE prions. These can include brains, eyes, spinal cord, and other organs. The exact definition varies by jurisdiction.

In the EU, SRMs are carefully excluded from the human and animal food chain. The US currently does not have any legislation regarding SRMs, but such legislation is under consideration.

Rules regrading the use of SRMs are intended to prevent the spread of TSE diseases, including mad cow disease.