WORTHINGTON, MINN. – Cattle renderers are bracing for a new Food and Drug Administration rule aimed at preventing bovine spongiform encephalopathy from reaching the food supply. Some say the rule that goes into effect April 27 will lead to higher costs for beef and dairy producers who will be required to clearly mark animals that are 30 months of age or older, according to The Associated Press.

Under the new rule, rendering facilities will be required to remove the brain and spinal cord of all cattle ages 30 months and older if they plan to use the dry material as a feed ingredient. If the brain and spinal cord are not removed, renderers must find new uses for the material.

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