Currently over three million head of cattle are being raised that qualifyfor the "VeriPrime Certified Safeguards" label. This represents aninventory of 7 million pounds of beef per day. VeriPrime is activelyseeking new members that will supply beef that consumers can choose withthe highest confidence in safety and proper handling.

"VeriPrime Certified Safeguards" are a commercial implementation of thosebest practices developed by the Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCO)and sponsored by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).Underlying this approach is the belief, expressed by the NCBA, in theBIFSCO best practices document, "Obviously, if fewer pathogens enter thepacking plant in or on cattle, controlling their occurrence in the finalbeef product will be easier -- resulting in a safer end-product forconsumers."

"VeriPrime Certified Safeguards" is a labeling and certification programdeveloped by VeriPrime, an independent member organization, supported by acoalition of the nation's leading farmers and ranchers. The new "VeriPrimeCertified Safeguards" label on packaging instantly assures consumers thatthe beef products come from animals raised at facilities meeting preciseand objective standards for food safety. Third-party certification ensuresthat all standards are met.

Farmers and ranchers that stand behind VeriPrime Certified Safeguards domuch more than government agencies require. There are multiple E. colihurdles included in VeriPrime Certified Safeguards for cattlemen to follow.A multiple hurdle approach is recognized as the best practice to reduce E.coli in or on cattle.

ABOUT VERIPRIME

VeriPrime is a member-owned federation of cooperatives. Food, feed, andgrain producers, processors, distributors and retailers can acquiremembership information and application for certification on line atwww.VeriPrime.org. Information about the VeriPrime Certified Safeguardslabel can be found at www.certifiedsafeguards.com.

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