NCBA Executive Committee Passes Emergency Resolution Following BSE Case

DENVER (December 31, 2003) –  A resolution to officially support the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s actions addressing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was passed during a special teleconference of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Committee today.  The Executive Committee passed the resolution by unanimous voice vote.  

The resolution becomes interim policy that must be ratified by the NCBA Policy Division Board during the organization’s annual meeting at the 2004 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix in late January.

The resolution reads:

WHEREAS: A BSE case has been identified in the United States, and
WHEREAS: NCBA is committed to consumer confidence in U.S. beef as the safest in the world,
BE IT RESOLVED: that NCBA officially support U.S. Department of Agriculture action to:

• Ban downer animals from the food chain;
• Implement a “test and hold” procedure for all animals tested for BSE;
• Define specific risk material consistent to Canada’s definition for all animals based upon age category;
• Broaden the rules for advanced meat recovery product from animals over 30 months of age;
• Prohibit the use of air-injection stunning; and
• Expedite the implementation of a national animal identification system.

~ visit our web site at http://hill.beef.org ~

 The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

 # # #