Following confirmation today by the USDA of a cow found positive for BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) or "mad cow" disease, the FDA is working with federal and state authorities to investigate the origin of the animal feed consumed by this cow. The USDA also confirmed the cow did not enter the animal feed or human food supply.

FDA is committed to protecting the safety of the U.S. human food and animal feed supply from BSE. As such, the FDA's 1997 animal feed ban rule has proven effective at keeping BSE out of the human food and animal feed supply. Recently, the FDA added safeguards prohibiting the use of certain cattle material in human food and cosmetics. Last year, the FDA also proposed to prohibit the use of certain cattle material in all animal feed.

We will continue to work closely with the USDA and state officials on this public health issue and will provide updates as information becomes available.

http://www.fda.gov