From: David Mrozek [dmrozek3@home.net]
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 7:28 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: docket number 98P-0151/CP1

Importance: High


To whom it may concern:

By eliminating downed animals from the food supply, the U.S. government and
the livestock industry can send an important message to the public about
their commitment to the humane handling of animals and to the elimination of
unnecessary food safety risks.

Considering the fact that only 0.1% of all livestock become downed animals,
it is clear that the economic loss caused by removing downers from the
marketplace will be far outweighed by benefits of eliminating animal
suffering and potential risks to human health.

The American public is looking to the USDA and the FDA to eliminate
unnecessary food safety risks, protect animals from needless suffering, and
ensure that the livestock industry's quality assurance programs are held to
the highest standards.

Industry experts have estimated that 90% of downed animals can be prevented
with better care and handling. Removing the market for downed animals will
provide an incentive to industry to prevent downed animals in the first
place.

Please grant the petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals for
food.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Maggie and Dave Mrozek
8427 Braddock Way
Columbia, MD 21046