Comment from Joby Rittenhouse

The value this proposed rule would have extend beyond the direct implications of enhanced safety of exposure to Mad Cow Disease-infected beef. Given the recent negative attention thrust on lean finely textured beef, an outbreak of infected beef would only further damage the reputation of domestic cattle producers, small and large. The indirect impact on enacting this rule would be to promote domestic production and consumption of beef and prevent a mass media portrayal of infected beef, domestically produced or internationally imported.