Florence Kranitz - Comment

As the agency assigned to keeping the American food supply safe it is inherent upon the FDA to protect American beef eaters from any possible risk of contracting vCJD, the human form of "Mad Cow disease". By allowing the distal ilium, a portion of the small intestine, shown to carry possible BSE infection, to be used in food and cosmetics the FDA is not keeping its pledge. Removal of the distal ilium can be accomplished at the same time the small intestine (which is done for this very purpose) is removed. As the patient/family support representatives for those affected by this tragic, 100% fatal disease we urge this simple safety measure be be re introduced as soon as possible. Florence Kranitz President The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Foundation