NATIONAL MEAT ASSOCIATIONâ 1970 Broadway, Suite 825,
Oakland, CA 94612 Ph. (510) 763-1533 or
(202) 667-2108 · Fax (510) 763-6186 [email protected] · http://www.nmaonline.org
June 17, 2003
Talk Back at ANG Newspapers
P.O. Box 10367
Pleasanton 94588
Dear Sir or Madam:
The letter to the editor
published in the Oakland Tribune June 10, 2003, entitled, “Don’t Go Mad,
Go Meatless,” is a study in fallacy. Contrary to the author’s presumptions, the
U.S. ban on Canadian ruminants is a clear testament to the efficacy of
safeguards against BSE, commonly referred to as mad cow disease. The finding,
rather than being an example of “too little, too late,” as the author purports,
is proof that BSE prevention plans can indeed find a one in a million case.
The author of the letter
feels that the testing of 20,000 cattle annually in the U.S. is the “too
little” in the “too little, too late” criticism. In fact, testing plans have
been designed to detect that one in a million case. The U.S. doubles the
testing recommended by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). The OIE
is the world expert on BSE, the standard setting organization for animal health
for 162 member nations. Under the international standard, a BSE-free country
like the United States would be required to test only 433 head of cattle per
year. The USDA is now testing 41 times that amount.
In addition to surveillance, OIE guidelines also require a risk analysis and management strategy, an education and awareness program and compulsory notification requirements in order for a country to claim that it is BSE free. The United States exceeds these criteria in all categories. "We’ve exceeded OIE surveillance standards for the last seven years and have doubled surveillance every year since 1999,” said Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. “We continue to examine our BSE programs and examine additional measures to ensure strong regulatory and compliance systems.” “Too little” is just not an accurate label for the U.S. BSE testing program.
The author implies that
because most cattle are slaughtered before the symptoms of mad cow disease
develop, there is a flaw in the safeguard system. However, there is no evidence
to show that consumption of meat from an animal that hasn’t developed BSE is a
risk. There is no evidence that shows that animals that young can develop the
disease at all.
Finally, in a highly crass
fashion, the author advises that those in the cattle industry should seek out a
“more predictable and socially redeeming career.” The social redemption of any
career is subjective at best. I take great pride in representing American
families working in one of the oldest industries in our nation. I’m proud to
work daily in an industry that strives to improve upon innovations in food
safety and produces the safest meat possible for our families at home and
abroad.
Sincerely,
Kiran Kernellu
National Meat Association