Contaminated pigs safe for consumption

Tests done by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirms that meat from pigs that ate rations supplemented with pet food scraps containing melamine and related compounds is safe for human consumption. USDA therefore allows these pigs to be processed for human consumption.

Testing of meat from pigs exposed to the feed in question confirms that melamine and melamine compounds does not accumulate in pork and is filtered out of the body by the action of the kidneys, according to the USDA. The testing supports the statement that there is a very low risk of human illness from the consumption of meat from animals exposed to the feed in question.

Compensation
Approximately 56,000 pigs on farms in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Kansas, Utah and Illinois consumed the feed containing melamine. USDA will provide compensation to producers for certain additional costs incurred as a result of voluntarily holding the animals.

Related websites:
USDA
FSIS

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