News Update

News Update
July 31, 2006

CO-Related Meat Packaging Bill Introduced

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) has introduced a bill that would ban the use of carbon monoxide (CO) in meat packaging, according to www.meatingplace.com.

In the article, DeLauro noted that the European Union (EU), Japan and Canada have all outlawed the use of CO in meat packaging. Products treated with the gas, she said, could make spoiled meat appear fresh.

Meat industry groups like the American Meat Institute (AMI) maintain the safety of CO-treated meat, noting recently released university-based analyses showing that meat packaging systems using low oxygen combined with gases — including minute CO levels — to prevent premature browning also can prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Ethanol Fuels Cattle Production

Increased ethanol production may boost Iowa’s cattle-producing capabilities, The Des Moines Register reported.

The state’s booming ethanol industry is producing abundant amounts of high-protein byproducts, or distillers’ dried grains (DDG). The production of this relatively cheap feed source, the article noted, could lead to a cattle comeback within the state.

Visit http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060730/BUSINESS01/607300326/1001 for the complete article.

Study Explores Livestock, Biotech Crops

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has released a study showing that meat, milk and eggs produced by animals fed biotechnology-derived crops are just as safe and wholesome as similar products from animals fed conventional crops.

An international task force of scientists conducted the study, which is available online (or you may purchase a hard copy) at www.cast-science.org/cast/src/cast_top.htm.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.