FDA moves ahead on feed ban

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association criticized a decision by the Food and Drug Administration to proceed with implementation of a new feed ban on April 27, despite numerous objections from farmers, ranchers, states and members of Congress. “This decision is extremely disappointing,” says Elizabeth Parker, chief veterinarian for NCBA. “By going ahead with implementation of this unnecessary ban, the FDA is ignoring the substantial costs and environmental burdens it imposes on America’s cattle producers.” For years, the livestock industry has made it clear to FDA and the administration that this rule would exacerbate the problems producers are already facing regarding carcass disposal. In fact, as early as December 2008, NCBA and producers across the country began voicing concerns about increased costs and disposal issues as many renderers discontinued their services in anticipation of this ban. “Unless FDA provides solutions for these problems, delaying the compliance date is an empty gesture,” Parker says. FDA is establishing a compliance date of Oct. 26, to give renderers additional time to comply with the new regulations and allow producers more time to identify appropriate methods of disposal. However, they have not provided any means to resolve the disposal issues created by the rule...Drovers Journal