Additional BSE Information:
The government has built and maintained four effective firewalls to
ensure that U.S. beef remains safe from BSE.
--In 2003, USDA strengthened its food safety program by banning from
the human food supply any cattle that appear ill, are unable to walk
or show signs of possible neurological disease. The USDA also prohibited
from the food supply any material from animals that could carry the
BSE agent (specified risk materials or SRMs, such as spinal cord or
brain).
--In 1997, the FDA banned feeding cattle the type of animal-derived
protein that can spread BSE. International experts agree that a feed
ban breaks the cycle of BSE and assures it will be eliminated. The
FDA reports a remarkable 99 percent compliance rate for the feed ban.
--In 1990, the United States was the first country in the world without
BSE to begin a BSE surveillance and testing program.
--In 1989, the United States was the first country in the world without
BSE to ban imports of beef, cattle products and cattle from countries
where BSE is prevalent.
To learn more about the risks of BSE, information can found at the
following websites:
Centers for Disease Control Q&A:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cjd/bse_cjd_qa.htm
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cjd/bse_cjd_qa.htm>
Food and Drug Administration Q&A:
www.fda.gov/cber/bse/bseqa.htm#a1
<http://www.fda.gov/cber/bse/bseqa.htm#a1>
U.S. Department of Agriculture Q&A:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/bse/bse_q&a.html
<http://www.aphis.usda.gov.1pa/issues/bse_q&a.html>
Beef Industry Scientific Panel Information Resource:
www.BSEinfo.org <http://www.bseinfo.org/>
