Mad cow disease still dominates the talk of residents in Washington state, where shoppers feel closer to the incident than others across the country. SN spoke to several in western Washington about the BSE case and their beef shopping patterns. Most indicated that they are not changing how they shop for or select their beef items at the retail level.
natural items. Those are not affected.
Edward Leite
68, Retired U.S. Marine, Seattle
Today, I am not concerned at all about the beef in the stores. I have continued to buy and eat beef. If they find more mad cow disease, I might cut back and not buy hamburger meat. The whole thing has been blown out of proportion.
Jim Taranto
36
Restaurant owner and chef
Monroe
I haven't changed my shopping of beef, either at home or for the restaurant. Not one customer has raised a question about the beef we serve, either. When the news hit, I called my supplier just to make sure that nothing in my kitchen was in question. They assured me that all my inventory was safe. Tonight, I'm going to eat steak.
John Wendt
64, Seafood importer, Monroe
The odds of me getting BSE from any beef I eat is so remote that I am not too concerned about what I am eating. You have to be careful and ask questions where the beef is coming from, just like any protein.
Diane Beason
35, Dental hygienist, Shoreline
When the whole thing started, I talked to a friend of mine who is in the meat business. He said that, by and large, the beef was safe to eat. I am particular about what I buy for my kids, and I was glad to get that news. Today, I went to the store and got ground beef for 99 cents. The entire chicken case was empty. I guess there is some concern about the beef, but I don't think the concern is based in fact.
Christine Loos
51, Retired, Edmonds
I am not concerned at all, and I haven't changed how I shop. I only buy natural beef from reputable grocers. We had a roast for New Year's, and it was delicious. The natural beef has a great flavor, and I feel it offers more safety.
