I think its important that, as a matter of course, the brain and spinal column were removed from this cow, and that would be the material that would cause concern in terms of human health. And therefore were confident in the safety of the food supply. – Ann Veneman

But the fact of the matter is that all scientific evidence would show, based upon what we know about this disease, that muscle cuts – that is, the meat of the animal itself – should not cause any risk to human health. – Ann Veneman

I have to say that in this particular cow that were dealing with, those parts of the cow were removed, and so we dont think theres any risk or very negligible risk to human health with this particular incident. – Ann Veneman