Cargill sets deadline for Zilmax-fed cattle
28/08/2013
It said the decision by its manufacturer Merck to undertake further testing of the drug after concerns were raised about animal welfare was “prudent”.
Cargill was the last major beef packer to allow cattle fed Zilmax into its beef supply chain, in June 2012, following concerns over beef tenderness.
In early August, animal well-being issues potentially linked to Zilmax surfaced at a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) meeting. Packers referenced situations that they believed may have been linked to Zilmax, although no scientific studies had made such a connection. Dr Temple Grandin, a world-renowned animal welfare expert, was present and expressed concerns.
“While Cargill has not linked Zilmax to any specific incidents involving animal well-being, the company does believe more research is necessary to answer recently raised questions regarding the use of this product,” it said in a statement.
Merck is creating an advisory board and has invited Dr Mike Siemens, Cargill’s head of animal welfare and husbandry, to represent Cargill.
Cargill stressed meat from cattle fed with Zilmax was safe, and the decision is linked to its “commitment to ensure the welfare of cattle harvested in the industry”.
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