BIG Country may Ride Out Mad Cow Scare

A new survey by consumer intelligence firm BIGresearch provides a steer on consumer attitudes to American beef in the light of recent scares. Nearly 70 percent believe the country's beef supply is safe.

BIGresearch's stats on the issue come from the January wave of its monthly Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey (CIA), which asked 8,600 consumers about their spending intentions and activity. The results should spur on producers: 68.4 percent said that US beef is currently 'very safe or safe' to eat. Only ten percent believe it to be ropey ('somewhat unsafe' or 'unsafe') while 21% were undecided. Similarly, only 29% of consumers say they are planning to rein in their purchase of beef as a result of the 'Mad Cow Disease' issue - 71% are not.

On December 23, the United States Department of Agriculture announced that a cow had tested positively for mad cow disease in Washington State. Since then, more than 30 countries have banned the import of US beef products. The diseased cow was found to have been part of a Canadian herd that was sold to a farmer in Washington. Federal investigators continue to search for additional cases of the disease, according to FOX News.

Gary Drenik, president and CEO of BIGresearch, says the company is not anticipating a significant downturn in beef sales: 'Americans have confidence in the meat packing industry and the regulations established by the Federal Government'.

BIGresearch's web site is at www.bigresearch.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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