Bush Administration Announces Ban on Use of Downer Cattle. I don't know a lot about hamburger or beef in general but it seems like a cow that is so sickly that it can't stand or walk should not be used as food for human consumption. I'm no expert. In the past week since the discovery of the cow suffering from bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE (commonly known as mad cow disease), many QSR chains have released statements proclaiming their long-standing policies prohibiting the use of downer cattle (cattle so ill that they are unable to walk) in their beef supplies (see Monday December 29 blog entries). And now, in an effort to boost consumer confidence in the American beef supply, President Bush and his administration have made this policy a nationwide regulation. The reform adopted by the White House places an immediate ban on the use of downer cattle in the human food chain. There must be significant costs associated with this new policy because previous legislation to ban downer cattle meat had failed to pass. In fact, the reform announced today apparently goes beyond the cattle industry's recommendations for a "test and hold" procedure for such meat. Other reforms in the industry will likely include regulations regarding the handling of brain and nervous system tissue, and a ban on the use of small intestine in the human food chain. Bon appetit.
Posted by franchiselawblog at December 30, 2003 08:27 PM