USDA Says 'No Downers'
in School Lunch Program

During summer, 2000, the USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) reviewed and revised its policy regarding the purchase of ground beef for the National School Lunch Program (beginning in School Year 2000-2001) and other Federal food and nutrition programs, and it has taken a major step in the direction of ending the downed animal trade. According to an agency statement, "USDA will no longer accept ground beef that includes product from non-ambulatory cattle, commonly known as 'downers'." This development shows a growing consensus - even among industry and government officials - that the marketing and slaughter of downed animals causes intolerable animal suffering and poses an unnecessary risk to human health.