NCBA & Policy News Archive Archive
CONTACT: Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org
Tanya Augustson, (202) 347-0228, taugustson@beef.org
NCBA Statement on FDA Proposed Rules for Cattle Feed
Jim McAdams
Texas cattle producer and President, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
October 4, 2005
“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed today new measures to further strengthen its feed rule and help ensure the risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) remains low in the United States.
“These changes further enhance stringent BSE safeguards already in place and diligently enforced in the United States for the past two decades. The U.S. government, together with the cattle and beef industries, has worked to put in place a science-based, multi-firewall system that has proven to be successful in preventing the spread of BSE.
“In 1996, NCBA called for a voluntary ban on ruminant-derived protein in cattle feed, and requested action on the issue from FDA. In 1997, the FDA banned feeding cattle this type of protein, and reports a 99 percent compliance rate for the feed ban. Scientific experts around the world agree that the feed ban breaks the cycle of BSE and assures it will be eliminated.
“Since June 2004, USDA’s Enhanced BSE Surveillance Program has tested 484,618 targeted animals at highest risk for BSE and has found only one confirmed case, evidence that our system is highly effective.
“As we begin to analyze FDA’s proposed revisions, we must be sure they reflect what is needed to best protect the U.S. cattle herd. Anything other than a science-based approach will be harmful to cattle producers and offer no real benefit to consumers or our industry.
“The U.S. beef supply remains the safest in the world. As cattle producers, the health of our animals and the safety of our food supply are always top priority. We insist on science-based principles to determine the safety measures needed, and we fully support changes if they can offer additional assurance.”
**NCBA is evaluating FDA’s proposed revisions and will be submitting comments.
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The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America's cattle industry. Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry's heritage and future. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.