SURVEY: CONSUMERS INDICATE CONFIDENCE IN BEEF SAFETY

CHICAGO -- A national survey conducted earlier this month shows that the recent publicity surrounding bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in British beef has not damaged American consumers' confidence in beef safety.

beef is a "safe and wholesome food," according to a statement from the association.

The survey also established that 83% of Americans have heard of "mad cow disease" in Great Britain, as compared with 15% who believe BSE exists in this country. Thirty percent of respondents were "completely confident" about beef safety and 52% were "mostly confident."

In addition, 32% of respondents said they were eating less beef than a month prior to the survey; 7% said they were eating more beef and 60% reported eating the same amount. The NCBA statement pointed out, however, that most of those decreasing their consumption of beef did so for health reasons rather than because of safety concerns.

NCBA spokesman Rick McCarty indicated that he was pleased with the survey results. "The continuing great confidence in the safety of U.S. beef reflects widespread awareness of actions by the beef industry and U.S. food safety officials to protect our cattle and beef from problems like the BSE in British cattle," he said. "The possible link between BSE in cattle and CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease) in humans remains speculative -- it is not supported by scientific evidence."