Preventative Measures Ensuring the Health of US

Cattle and Safety of US Beef

Preventative Measures Ensuring the Health of US

Cattle and Safety of US Beef

John A. ScangaAssociate Professor

Center for Red Meat SafetyDepartment of Animal Sciences

Colorado State University

John A. ScangaAssociate Professor

Center for Red Meat SafetyDepartment of Animal Sciences

Colorado State University

U.S. Cattle Industry Overview (Field & Taylor, 2002)

U.S. Cattle Industry Overview (Field & Taylor, 2002)

• 814,000 beef herds = 33.1 million cows.

• 97,500 dairy herds = 9.1 million cows.

• 29 million feeder calves.

• 90% of beef cow herds have <100 hd but control only 50% of inventory.

• 1,800 feeding companies with >1000 hd capacity.

• 795 plants harvest steers & heifers.

• Top 5 packing companies (29 plants) account for 88-90% of cattle harvested.

• 814,000 beef herds = 33.1 million cows.

• 97,500 dairy herds = 9.1 million cows.

• 29 million feeder calves.

• 90% of beef cow herds have <100 hd but control only 50% of inventory.

• 1,800 feeding companies with >1000 hd capacity.

• 795 plants harvest steers & heifers.

• Top 5 packing companies (29 plants) account for 88-90% of cattle harvested.

U.S. Beef IndustryU.S. Beef Industry

• Cow-calf production• Calves are generally weaned at 205 days

of age (6-7 months)• Once weaned, calves will either be:

• Held on grass pastures (Backgrounding)• Shipped directly to feedlot

• Cow-calf production• Calves are generally weaned at 205 days

of age (6-7 months)• Once weaned, calves will either be:

• Held on grass pastures (Backgrounding)• Shipped directly to feedlot

BackgroundingBackgrounding

• Cattle are retained after weaning for weight gain• Generally until 9 to 10 months of age

• Cattle are retained after weaning for weight gain• Generally until 9 to 10 months of age

FeedlotFeedlot

• Cattle are fed an increasing amount of grain for 100 - 200 days

• Target end weight is generally 1200 pounds; typically this is reached at an age of 15 to 19 months

• Cattle are fed an increasing amount of grain for 100 - 200 days

• Target end weight is generally 1200 pounds; typically this is reached at an age of 15 to 19 months

Scientific Principles of BSE Prevention

Scientific Principles of BSE Prevention

CattleFeedCattleFeed

CattleCattle Beef ProcessingBeef Processing

ConsumerConsumer

Block recycling of rendered mammalian proteins into cattle

feed

Block recycling of rendered mammalian proteins into cattle

feed

Exclude potentially infectious tissues

(SRM’s) & minimizecross- contamination

Exclude potentially infectious tissues

(SRM’s) & minimizecross- contamination

Rendering Facility

Rendering Facility

Role of U.S. Government in Controlling BSERole of U.S. Government in Controlling BSE

Protecting the health of the U.S. cattle herd

Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Monitor & Enforce Feed Ban

Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

BSE Surveillance to Determine Prevalence & Verify Effectiveness of BSE Firewalls in U.S.

Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS)

Protecting the human food supply

Monitor & enforce the Removal of SRM’s & Other New BSE-Related Regulations

Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS)

Provide auditing service to certify marketing programs (e.g., BEV)

Beef Quality AssuranceBeef Quality Assurance

MissionMaximize consumer confidence in and

acceptance of beef by focusing the industry’s attention on beef quality through the use of

science, research and educational initiatives.

MissionMaximize consumer confidence in and

acceptance of beef by focusing the industry’s attention on beef quality through the use of

science, research and educational initiatives.

Safety Criteria 1:Use of Feed and Feed AdditivesSafety Criteria 1:Use of Feed and Feed Additives

Do not feed “prohibited” mammalian derived protein sources. Meat and bone meal or any other prohibited protein sources derived from mammalian muscle or bone tissue cannot be fed.

Mammalian Protein BanMammalian Protein BanThe FDA (1997) has formulated rules and regulations that deal with the feeding of mammalian-derived products.

No “prohibited” mammalian-derived protein sources can be fed in the BQA program.

Proteins that are exempt

Blood and blood by-products

Milk products

Pure porcine protein products

Pure equine protein products

Gelatin

Always refer to label directions to determine if products are or are not approved for use in cattle.

The FDA (1997) has formulated rules and regulations that deal with the feeding of mammalian-derived products.

No “prohibited” mammalian-derived protein sources can be fed in the BQA program.

Proteins that are exempt

Blood and blood by-products

Milk products

Pure porcine protein products

Pure equine protein products

Gelatin

Always refer to label directions to determine if products are or are not approved for use in cattle.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• Inspections and Legal Sanctions• Scientific Expertise• Product Safety

• Food• Drugs• Medical devices• Biologics• Animal feed and drugs• Cosmetics• Radiation emitting products

• Inspections and Legal Sanctions• Scientific Expertise• Product Safety

• Food• Drugs• Medical devices• Biologics• Animal feed and drugs• Cosmetics• Radiation emitting products

CVM Update On Ruminant Feed (BSE) Enforcement

CVM Update On Ruminant Feed (BSE) Enforcement

To help prevent the establishment and amplification of BSE through feed, in the U.S., FDA implemented a Final Rule that prohibits the use of most mammalian protein in feeds for ruminant animals (Ruminant Feed Ban, August 4, 1997).

As of April 17, 2004, FDA and State officials had inspected 29,000 establishments (renderers, feedmills, protein blenders, ruminant feeders, on-farm mixers, pet food manufacturers, animal feed salvagers, distributors, retailers, transporters).

99.48% of establishments qualified as NAI (No Action Indicated).

To help prevent the establishment and amplification of BSE through feed, in the U.S., FDA implemented a Final Rule that prohibits the use of most mammalian protein in feeds for ruminant animals (Ruminant Feed Ban, August 4, 1997).

As of April 17, 2004, FDA and State officials had inspected 29,000 establishments (renderers, feedmills, protein blenders, ruminant feeders, on-farm mixers, pet food manufacturers, animal feed salvagers, distributors, retailers, transporters).

99.48% of establishments qualified as NAI (No Action Indicated).

SOURCE: U.S. FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine (April 22, 2004).

CVM Update On Ruminant Feed (BSE) Enforcement (June 20, 2005)

• Active firms whose initial inspection has been reported to FDA = 15,676 ･

• Number of active firms handling materials prohibited from use in ruminant feed = 4,093 (26% of those active firms inspected) ･

• Of the 4,093 active firms handling prohibited materials:• 10 firms (0.2%) were classified as Official Action

Indicated• 98 firms (2.4%) were classified as Voluntary Action

Indicated

• Active firms whose initial inspection has been reported to FDA = 15,676 ･

• Number of active firms handling materials prohibited from use in ruminant feed = 4,093 (26% of those active firms inspected) ･

• Of the 4,093 active firms handling prohibited materials:• 10 firms (0.2%) were classified as Official Action

Indicated• 98 firms (2.4%) were classified as Voluntary Action

Indicated

Procurement“Prohibited Feed” Affidavit I ____________________________________________(print), attest that to the best of my knowledge, the “finishing ration” fed to cattle under my authority, direction, or ownership and which are supplied to TFM for slaughter have not been fed "prohibited" mammalian protein as defined by FDA 21 CFR 589.2000. My role in the cattle supply chain is (check one) : _____ Feedlot owner/operator _____ Order Buyer or Trader (independent) _____ Other (describe) ____________________ I agree that authorized TFM officials may conduct inspection of feed records and feed facilities at locations from which cattle under my direction (or ownership) are fed and which were slaughtered at an TFM facility. Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone Number ____________________

Affidavits are to be renewed annually. Failure to have a current, signed affidavit on-record is cause for the “company” to refuse to slaughter cattle under your direction or ownership. The owner/agent should keep the yellow copy of this affidavit for your records. Note: FDA CFR 589.2000 requires ruminant feeders to keep records for all feed they receive that contains animal protein products, whether or not the animal protein is prohibited material. Such records would include purchase invoices and labeling for all feeds containing animal protein products received. Copies of these records are to be made available to FDA upon request. The complete FDA rule can be accessed on the web site => (www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/21cfr589_00.html). All cattle producers are urged to secure similar "prohibited feed" assurances from their suppliers. For questions to Tyson Fresh Meats please call: 605-235-2763 or 605-235-2120. Tyson Fresh Meats Form 2998 (01/09/04)

Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS)

Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS)

• A Department of USDA

• Inspection & Safety for Meat, Poultry, & Egg products

• Consumer Information & Awareness

• A Department of USDA

• Inspection & Safety for Meat, Poultry, & Egg products

• Consumer Information & Awareness

Food Safety and Inspection Service BSE Mitigation Measures

(Implemented After January 12, 2004)

Food Safety and Inspection Service BSE Mitigation Measures

(Implemented After January 12, 2004)

• Banned the use of air injection/retraction stunning methods

• Banned non-ambulatory animals from the food chain• Mandated Test and Hold procedures for animals

identified for BSE testing• Banned Specified Risk Materials from the human food

chain• Banned Specified Risk Materials from incorporation

into Advanced Meat Recovery Systems

***These systems were implemented under the principles of “Abundance of Caution.” They have been implemented into the regulatory process and are included in Pre-requisite programs or HACCP programs

Stunning

(Captive Bolt, No Air Injection )Stunning

(Captive Bolt, No Air Injection )

Captive Bolt StunnersCaptive Bolt Stunners

Specified Risk Materials9 CFR §310.22 January 12, 2004

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-025IF.pdf

Specified Risk Materials9 CFR §310.22 January 12, 2004

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-025IF.pdf

•Spinal Cord•Vertebral Column•Dorsal Root Ganglia

•Brain•Skull

Distal Ileum (Small Intestine)

Trigeminal ganglia

Eyes

Tonsils

> 30 Months of Age < 30 Months of Age

Distal Ileum(Small Intestine)

Tonsils

Infectivity of Bovine Tissues in Relation to Bovine Age

Infectivity of Bovine Tissues in Relation to Bovine Age

• Distal Ileum• 6-18 months• >38 months

• Tonsils• 10 months

• Brain• >32 months

• Spinal cord• >32 months

• Dorsal root Ganglia• >32 months

• Trigeminal Ganglia• >36 months

Source: G. A. H. Wells et al., 1998; Preliminary observations on the pathogenesis of experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): an update. Veterinary Record (1998) 142:103-106

Tissue % Total Infectivity Cumulative

Brain 64.1% 64.1%

Spinal Cord 25.6% 89.7%

Distal Ileum 3.3% 93.0%

Dorsal Root Ganglia 3.8% 96.8%

Trigeminal Ganglia 2.6% 99.4%

Spleen 0.3% 99.7%

Eyes 0.3% 100.0%

Tissue % Total Infectivity Cumulative

Brain 64.1% 64.1%

Spinal Cord 25.6% 89.7%

Distal Ileum 3.3% 93.0%

Dorsal Root Ganglia 3.8% 96.8%

Trigeminal Ganglia 2.6% 99.4%

Spleen 0.3% 99.7%

Eyes 0.3% 100.0%

Relative BSE Infectivity Associated With Cattle Tissues

Relative BSE Infectivity Associated With Cattle Tissues

Adapted from EU Scientific Steering Committee, 2001.

% Infectivity from an Animal with Clinical Disease

Identifying, Marking, & Segregating Carcasses of Cattle that are>30 Months of Age

Bovine DentitionBovine Dentition

Removal of Spinal Cord Removal of Spinal Cord

SRM Removal & Disposal Carcass Disassembly

SRM Removal & Disposal Carcass Disassembly

Vertebral Column [DRG] is removed from Carcasses 30 MOA & sent to inedible rendering

Removal of Vertebral Column [DRG]

Wash/Sanitize Affected Equipment after Carcasses

of Cattle 30 MOA

Advanced Meat Recovery SystemsAdvanced Meat Recovery Systems• Process used to salvage meat remains on bones

after fabrication

• May not contain vertebral column bones or skulls

• Product is verified by FSIS testing that it is free of any central nervous tissue

• Process used to salvage meat remains on bones after fabrication

• May not contain vertebral column bones or skulls

• Product is verified by FSIS testing that it is free of any central nervous tissue

Mechanically Separated MeatMechanically Separated Meat• Mechanically separated meat products are produced by

mechanically removing meat from bone.

• use of an auger to crush the bones down to a pre-determined size

• use of a “screen” which separates the meat and smaller bone particles from the larger bone particles.

• Mechanically separated meat must be labeled as “Mechanically Separated ‘Species’” and must meet the provisions outlined in the excerpt from the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations below.

• The new Interim Final Rules published by FSIS on January 12, clearly state that Mechanically Separated Beef is no longer allowed for production.

• This information can be found at:

• Mechanically separated meat products are produced by mechanically removing meat from bone.

• use of an auger to crush the bones down to a pre-determined size

• use of a “screen” which separates the meat and smaller bone particles from the larger bone particles.

• Mechanically separated meat must be labeled as “Mechanically Separated ‘Species’” and must meet the provisions outlined in the excerpt from the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations below.

• The new Interim Final Rules published by FSIS on January 12, clearly state that Mechanically Separated Beef is no longer allowed for production.

• This information can be found at:http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-25IF.htm

or:http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-038IF.htm

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-25IF.htm or:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-038IF.htm

Advanced Meat RecoveryAdvanced Meat Recovery

• These systems differ from MS systems in that they remove the actual bone particles. Instead of crushing the bones and squeezing the remaining meat through a screen, the AMR system uses the bones to “rub” each other and remove the edible meat products.

• AMR systems generally incorporate:

• a presize, which actually breaks the bones down to a uniform size,

• A machine separator which peels meat off of the bones

• A belt separator which removes any residual bone and other ligaments, tendons, or collagen through a system of belts and drums.

• AMR product does not have to be labeled as “AMR product”, it may be labeled as “meat” if it meets the standards described in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.

• These systems differ from MS systems in that they remove the actual bone particles. Instead of crushing the bones and squeezing the remaining meat through a screen, the AMR system uses the bones to “rub” each other and remove the edible meat products.

• AMR systems generally incorporate:

• a presize, which actually breaks the bones down to a uniform size,

• A machine separator which peels meat off of the bones

• A belt separator which removes any residual bone and other ligaments, tendons, or collagen through a system of belts and drums.

• AMR product does not have to be labeled as “AMR product”, it may be labeled as “meat” if it meets the standards described in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.

AMR StandardsAMR Standards

• Calcium content cannot exceed 130mg/100g.

• The added iron content cannot be greater than 3.5mg/100g.

• As mandated by the FSIS Interim rules published in January of 2004, AMR cannot be produced using the skulls and vertebral columns derived from animals greater than 30 months.

• As mandated by the FSIS Interim rules published in January of 2004, AMR product cannot contain the presence of brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal root ganglia.

• Calcium content cannot exceed 130mg/100g.

• The added iron content cannot be greater than 3.5mg/100g.

• As mandated by the FSIS Interim rules published in January of 2004, AMR cannot be produced using the skulls and vertebral columns derived from animals greater than 30 months.

• As mandated by the FSIS Interim rules published in January of 2004, AMR product cannot contain the presence of brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal root ganglia.

Advanced Meat Recovery -- EconomicsAdvanced Meat Recovery -- Economics

Prior to discovery of Mad Cow Disease in the USA:Yield of AMR tissue 10 pounds per head.

With changes in SRMs after Mad Cow Disease in the USA: Yield of AMR tissue 3 pounds per head.

Prior to discovery of Mad Cow Disease in the USA:Yield of AMR tissue 10 pounds per head.

With changes in SRMs after Mad Cow Disease in the USA: Yield of AMR tissue 3 pounds per head.

SOURCE: G. C. Smith (January 20, 2004)

“Some packing plants may decide to go back to hand-deboning or Whizzard-knife trimming of vertebral column, long bones, and flat bones… and not use AMR.”

Summary of U.S. BSE Mitigation ProceduresSummary of U.S. BSE Mitigation Procedures

ProductionPre- Slaughter

Beef Slaughter &Carcass Chilling

Carcass Disassembly Rendering

FDA Mammalian to Ruminant Feed Ban

Feed Affidavits

Animal Identification

Feed Mill Reviews

Feed Testing

Exclusion of Downer Cattle

FSIS Antemortem inspection

Test & Hold Policy

APHIS Surveillance

No air injection stunning

Age Determination

Age Segregation & Carcass Identification [30 mo. of age & older]

SRM Removal & Disposal

Sanitation & Dedicated Equipment

FSIS Postmortem Inspection

Carcass Identification & Segregation [30 Months of Age & Older]

SRM Removal & Disposal

Equipment Sanitation

Product Separation & Labeling

AMR & MSM Policies

MBM Labeling

Inedible Processing of SRM’s

MBM sales designation

Handling Equipment Clean-out Procedures

FDA Verification