To amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to enhance the safety of beef and beef food products originating in the United States by requiring the testing of cattle for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as mad cow disease) at the time of slaughter, and for other purposes.
Mad Cow Testing Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the post-mortem testing of cattle carcasses and parts intended for human consumption for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). Requires that: (1) such tests be conducted only by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service personnel; and (2) testing costs be covered through fees collected from slaughtering, meat-canning, salting, packing, rendering, and other establishments subject to such testing.
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to delay such testing if an accurate test is not available for cattle under a certain age. Requires the Secretary to evaluate at least yearly during the course of any such delay whether a test has been developed.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
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