Kroger asks suppliers to adopt new rules

The Kroger Co called on its beef suppliers to immediately implement new regulations proposed by the United States Department of Agriculture that would further enhance the safety of the nation's beef supply.

These USDA regulations are aimed at strengthening protection against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

All beef suppliers must be able to certify to Kroger that:

• No “downer” animals (or those exhibiting BSE-like symptoms) were processed for food for human consumption.

• All cattle tested for BSE are held until test results are received.

• Such notification should be in writing and should clearly identify the specific carcass.

• Spinal cords, brains, and other materials known as “specified risk material” are not to be used for human food.

• As stated previously, Kroger does not allow any Advanced Meat Recovery (AMR) systems products in its ground beef.

• Slaughtering processes must ensure that portions of the animal's brain are not dislocated into tissues of the carcass.

• Mechanically separated meat is not used for human food.

Kroger said it will “not be able to do business with suppliers that are unable or unwilling to comply with these requirements.”