The following is a release from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:
WASHINGTON (March 29, 2012) – After weeks of misleading media reports about lean finely textured beef, which has ultimately resulted in more than 650 individuals losing jobs in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, top elected leaders from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and South Dakota joined forces with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Under Secretary for Food Safety Elisabeth Hagen to support the safety of this product and all U.S. beef. NCBA President J.D. Alexander issued the following statement to praise the leaders for their efforts.
“Cattlemen are delighted to see state leaders from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas saying enough is enough by clarifying the importance of beef in diets and its role in providing jobs and economic growth. The outspoken and visible support from Secretary Vilsack and Under Secretary Hagen represents a united effort to restore confidence in the beef I proudly produce and feed my own family.
“We have the safest beef supply in the world, but that didn’t stop the race for ratings and the misinformation overload scaring consumers and throwing the country into absolute chaos. This started out as yet another careless and irresponsible distortion of the facts that spiraled into real jobs and real families in already struggling economies being thrown aside.
“Irresponsible attacks will ultimately result in a domino effect from farm to fork. The wave of chaos has calmed a bit and now is the time to help dissect fact from fiction with our consumers here in the United States and abroad. I am honored to be a part of the beef community providing safe and nutritious beef for families around the globe.”
###
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.
© Copyright 2012 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, all rights reserved.
Posted by Haylie Shipp
