From: Mishudog14@aol.com
Sent: Monday, January 01, 2001 11:51 AM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Grant Petition 98P-0151/CP1

Dear Madam or Sir:

  I am contacting you in regard to Docket Number 98P-0151/CP1, a landmark 
  policy to stop purchasing meat from downed cows for federal programs.  

  Downed animals cannot be moved humanely, and they are typically pushed 
  with tractors or dragged with chains, resulting in injuries from bruises 
and 
  abrasions, to broken bones and torn ligaments.  Furthermore, the use of 
  downed animals in meat production poses an increased health risk to the 
  consumer from bacterial contamination and disease.

  Prohibiting the marketing of downed animals will cause no undue economic 
  hardship.  Industry experts have estimated that 90 percent of downed 
  animals can be prevented with better care and handling.  Removing the 
  market for downed animals will provide an incentive to industry to prevent 
  downed animals in the first place.

  Please be compassionate and grant petition 98P-0151/CP1 to prohibit the 
  slaughter of downed animals.

  Sincerely,
Jessica Dratler
296 Longwood Dr.
Manalapan, NJ 07726