May 23, 2008

USDA bans downer cow meat
 

The USDA is banning the supply of meat from downer cows for human consumption.

According to Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, this new rule shows how high US standards have grown to protect beef consumers in and outside the US.

The rule in essence has nothing to do with food safety, but one goal is to remove confusion among consumers and the media, he added.

The move follows the largest beef recall in the US, which was caused by the disclosure of a video clip, by the US animal protection group, Humane Society, showing the cruel killing of downer cows at a slaughterhouse in California.

The new rule will raise consumer confidence and the efficiency of slaughter facilities, Schafer said.

American beef farmers and exporters are strongly opposed to the ban, but the U.S. government has changed its position to tap foreign markets, The Washington Post said.