May 8, 2008

FDA strengthens rule on animal feeds, adds safeguards against BSE
 

The US Food and Drug Administration announced a final rule that will further help to protect consumers against BSE or mad cow disease.

The FDA has banned the use of mammalian protein in ruminant feeds since 1997. The new rule disallows the use of brains and spinal cords from cattle 30 months and older in all animal feed, including pet food.

These materials have the highest risk for carrying the agent said cause BSE.

The entire carcass of cattle not inspected and passed for human consumption is also banned unless the cattle are younger than 30 months, or the brains and spinal cords have been removed.

The removal of these materials from all animal feed will protect against unintentional transmission of the agent thought to cause BSE.

The rule will take effect on April 2009.