Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups Frequently Asked Questions and Answers URL: www.scjfaq.org/faq/06-12.html

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Question 6.12:
What are the issues involving Filet Mignion?

The problem with Filet Mignion is Gid Hanasheh, the sciatic nerve. The Torah prohibits eating of the sciatic nerve in both hind thighs of any kosher land animal (domesticated or wild). The difficult process of the removal of the nerve and the fat surrounding it. This is called "nikur", and must be done with great care by a skilled expert. In most countries, the difficult process of removing the prohibited fats and nerves is avoided entirely by not eating (at all) the hind part of an animal. This also makes it difficult to find Kosher filet mignon, rump and sirloin steaks, leg of lamb, and London broil.

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