August 28, 2000
Herd on the Hill -- National Meat Association
Edited by Jeremy Russell

Phenylbutazone, known as "bute," is a veterinary drug only label-approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use by veterinarians in dogs and horses. It has been associated with debilitating conditions in humans and it is absolutely not permitted for use in food-producing animals.

USDA/FSIS is conducting a special project beginning next week to sample and test for this drug in selected bovine slaughter plants under federal inspection. An earlier pilot project this year by FSIS found traces less than 3% of the livestock selected for testing, sufficient cause for this special project. There is no tolerance for this drug in food-producing livestock, and they and their by-products are condemned when it is detected. The special project testing scheme will seriously disrupt plant efficiency, but is essential in assuring consumer confidence in meat products

Again, phenylbutazone, or "bute," is a drug that is not permitted to be used in food-producing livestock. NMA will work with its members and the USDA to provide the maximum assurance that livestock that may have received this drug do not enter the meat supply. We encourage members who are in communication with livestock producers to inform them that they must not use this drug in food-producing livestock and will be subject to FDA investigation and possible prosecution if it is found.