WASHINGTON – Notice 74-10 regarding disposition of non-ambulatory cattle is now being implemented by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The notice was announced Dec. 21, according to the American Meat Institute.

Any cattle that are non-ambulatory when presented by the plant to the USDA veterinarian for ante-mortem inspection must be condemned and euthanized, according to the notice. If cattle temporarily lie down at the plant, but rise for ante-mortem inspection, they may be passed if the veterinarian finds them fit for consumption.


The only exception is for veal calves that are non-ambulatory because they are cold or tired. Cold or tired calves may be set apart for treatment and if subsequently deemed fit for consumption, they may be passed. The notice, however, does not apply to calves that weigh less than 400 lbs.

To read the notice, visithttp://www.fsis.usda.gov/oppde/rdad/FSISNotices/74-10.pdf.