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Q:
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What steps are you taking to ensure that BSE beef doesn't make it into your products? |
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A:
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We continually monitor the latest scientific findings and our own quality assurance programs to ensure the safety of our products. For some time, we have had in place a series of BSE prevention measures to assure that only healthy cattle, properly fed, are the source of our ingredients. Below are some of the specific steps we take to ensure the wholesomeness of our beef products:
- We use beef from whole muscle meat only. Scientific studies have not found BSE in whole muscle meat.
- We do not use beef from advanced meat recovery (AMR) systems or mechanically separated beef for any of our products.
- We specifically exclude any brain and spinal cord tissue from all of our meat purchases.
- We require that all of our suppliers verify that they are in full compliance with federal regulations regarding the ruminant feed ban, and require similar verification from stockyards or public auctions from which they acquire livestock.
- We require our suppliers to have an aggressive inspection system in place and do not accept beef from diseased animals.
- We conduct on site inspections of our suppliers to verify that they are in compliance with our current guidelines and specifications.
- We fully comply with rigorous U.S. government food safety programs.
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