FDA Finalizing Rules on BSE; “Ag-gag” Laws Likely to Breed Suspicion

The FDA has issued a rule finalizing three previously issued interim rules regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE. The rules were designed to further reduce the potential risk of BSE, commonly referred to as mad cow disease, in human food. The FDA says the final rule provides definitions for prohibited cattle materials and prohibits their use in human food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics, to address the potential risk of BSE. The final rules aim to minimize human exposure to certain cattle material that could potentially contain the BSE agent.

Laws designed to prohibit hidden-camera filming substantially reduce trust in agriculture by U.S. consumers. Researchers at the University of British Columbia say the so-called “ag-gag” laws that criminalize secret recordings and obtaining employment under false pretenses is more likely to breed suspicion of farmers than to shield their public image. Study author Jesse Robbins says “people are likely to be left with a bad taste in their mouths” when made aware of the laws. The decline in trust was noted across multiple demographics, regardless of political ideology or area of residence.