News Update

News Update
May 1, 2007

FDA, USDA Trace Adulterated Animal Feed to Poultry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have learned that byproducts from pet food manufactured with contaminated wheat gluten imported from China have been used in chicken feed on some Indiana farms.

The agencies made the announcement yesterday after the information came to light as part of the continuing investigation into imported rice protein concentrate and wheat gluten that have been found to contain melamine and melamine-related compounds.

As of yesterday, the investigation indicated that approximately 30 broiler poultry farms and eight breeder poultry farms in Indiana received contaminated feed in early February and fed it to poultry within days of receiving it. All of the broilers believed to have been fed contaminated product have since been processed. The breeders that were fed the contaminated product are under voluntary hold by the flock owners.

As with exposure from hogs fed contaminated pet food and for similar reasons related to the dilution of the contamination, FDA and USDA officials said they believe the likelihood of illness after eating chicken fed the contaminated product is very low. Because there is no evidence of harm to humans associated with consumption of chicken fed the contaminated product, no recall of poultry products processed from these animals is being issued, according to the joint release. Testing and the joint investigation continue. According to USDA and FDA, if any evidence surfaces to indicate there is harm to humans, appropriate action will be taken.

Because the poultry being held have been fed adulterated products, USDA cannot knowingly approve products derived from these poultry for human consumption. USDA is offering to compensate producers who euthanize the poultry. USDA is also offering the expertise and assistance of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) personnel in carrying out depopulation activities to ensure adherence to federal and state laws.

FDA and USDA anticipate that as the investigation continues additional farms will likely be identified that received contaminated feed. FDA and USDA have also traced contaminated feed to swine farms in several states, where the same procedures are being followed in relation to both swine and poultry.

— Adapted from a USDA/FDA release.

Beef Export Verification Programs Extended

Instructions for certifying beef products under Export Verification (EV) programs have been extended by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), according to the American Meat Institute (AMI).

The expiration date for FSIS Notice 19-06, “Revised Notice for Certifying Beef Products Under Export Verification (EV) Programs,” has been extended from May 1, 2007, to May 1, 2008. According to AMI, the notice provides FSIS personnel with instructions for carrying out FSIS’s certification process for meat products exported under EV programs.

Visit the FSIS Notices Index, at www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp, for more information.

Angus Foundation Golf Tournament Sponsorships Due Today

The 7th Annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament will be Tuesday, July 3 at the Forest Ridge Golf Club in Broken Arrow, Okla., in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS).

This event provides an opportunity for Angus enthusiasts of all ages to join together in a day of fun and recreation while raising money to support the Angus Foundation’s education, youth and research programs.

Many levels of sponsorship are available for the tournament. For planning purposes, payments for sponsorships must be received by Tuesday, May 1, 2007. Prior year sponsors will be given first consideration.

Player entry fees will again be $100 for adults and $75 for junior Angus members. Player registrations must be received by Friday, June 15, 2007. A late fee of $10 will be applied to players registering after June 15. Teams of four will compete for top prizes. Players can form their own teams or be assigned to a team the day of the tournament.

To receive your sponsorship or player registration brochure, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100, or go to www.angusfoundation.org to download the forms.