| 12/30/2003 USDA: Recalled Meat Represents 'Zero Risk' to Consumers - 12/30 MeatingPlace After an animal in Washington state tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, an investigation revealed that meat from the infected dairy cow could have reached retail markets in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and the territory of Guam. Because it is not known exactly what portions of the meat cut that day came from the diseased cow, health authorities must assume that some could have reached any location where any part of the 10,000-pound supply was distributed. "The recalled meat represents essentially zero risk to consumers," said Petersen, of USDA's food safety agency. He said parts most likely to carry infection -- the brain, spinal cord and lower intestine -- were removed before the meat from the infected cow was cut and processed for human consumption. Despite their assurances of food safety, federal officials have taken the precaution of recalling 10,000 pounds of meat from the infected cow and from 19 other cows slaughtered Dec. 9 at Vern's Moses Lake Meat Co., in Moses Lake, Wash. Dr. Ron DeHaven, USDA's chief veterinarian, said research shows that certain meats, such as steaks and roasts, are safe from infection. Related Link: http://www.meatingplace.com |
This
website is best viewed in Internet
Explorer or
Netscape Navigator versions
4.0 and
above. All content contained herein is subject to copyright law.
Click here to unsubscribe
above. All content contained herein is subject to copyright law.
Click here to unsubscribe