McDonald’s Acts to Keep Mad Cow From U.S.

In a move to help prevent mad cow disease from reaching the United States, McDonald’s Corp. has ordered its beef suppliers to ensure that the cattle they buy are fed in accordance with federal regulations. The fast-food giant has given meatpackers until April 1 to document compliance with the rules. The Food and Drug Administration recently reported that hundreds of feed makers had failed to comply with its feed regulations, which are intended to keep the brain-wasting disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, from spreading if it ever reaches this country. “Here in the U.S., it’s always been BSE-free. We want to keep it that way,” a McDonald’s spokesman said. McDonald’s plans to audit its suppliers’ documentation, he said. The McDonald’s action has had a ripple effect through the beef industry. Major beef packers, including IBP Inc., have told their cattle suppliers they must document their compliance with the feed rules. McDonald’s shares closed off 26 cents at $27.80 on the New York Stock Exchange.