Melamine tainted feed: Meat is safe says USDA
US - Tests have confirmed that meat from pigs fed rations supplemented with pet food scraps containing melamine and related compounds is safe for human consumption. As a result USDA has now approved pigs held on farms for shipment and processing.
16 May 2007
2 minute read
Testing of meat from pigs exposed to the tainted feed confirms that melamine and melamine compounds does not accumulate in pork and is filtered out of the body by the kidneys. The tests also support the findings of a human health risk assessment that concluded there was a very low risk of human illness from eating meat from animals exposed to melamine-tainted feed.
Approximately 56,000 pigs that consumed the contaminated feed were held on farms in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Kansas, Utah and Illinois. USDA has said it will compensate producers for some of the additional costs incurred as a result of voluntarily holding the animals.
Pigs known to have eaten this feed appear healthy, but these animals will undergo further tests and rigorous inspection prior to processing. The process for testing meat from pigs was validated by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
USDA and FDA continue to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation. As additional information is confirmed, updates will be provided and decisions will be made using the best available science to protect the public's health.
For further information click here
Approximately 56,000 pigs that consumed the contaminated feed were held on farms in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Kansas, Utah and Illinois. USDA has said it will compensate producers for some of the additional costs incurred as a result of voluntarily holding the animals.
Pigs known to have eaten this feed appear healthy, but these animals will undergo further tests and rigorous inspection prior to processing. The process for testing meat from pigs was validated by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
USDA and FDA continue to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation. As additional information is confirmed, updates will be provided and decisions will be made using the best available science to protect the public's health.
For further information click here
