From: keith_ligon@mac.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 7:27 AM
To: MarketingClaim
Cc: info@slowfoodusa.org%inter2
Subject: Docket #LS-05-09



Dear USDA
I understand that the current proposed USDA?s published-for-comment grass fed
standards, Docket #LS-05-09 currently ignore most of the intentions and
professional input and recommendations for these standards from the groups whom
they are most intended to benefit.

The major point of these standards is to more specifically label meats which
have been raised in a way that conforms to traditional and natural standards of
farming. Grass fed should clearly be telling the customer only one thing--that
the animal ate the grass in a pasture.
Anything else would be misleading to most of the customers who would not
understand the more technical and "inclusive" use of the term (regardless of
whether the customer is wrong to assume this). If the standards follow the
original intention of grass fed this of course precludes the production of
animals in a feedlot.

As a physician, I understand that the importance of using antibiotics in modern
farming for the health of the animal. This and the use of hormones are difficult
ones and could be addressed under separate legislation. I would suggest that
these issues should not distract from the main obvious goal of "grass fed".

I write this letter in hopes that you will preserve the original intent of this
standard and also to make sure that you hear opinions and voices from those who
are not extremist in their views but feel strongly that the current standards do
sufficiently support those farmers who choose to provide quality more natural
farming practices and foodstuffs to the public who desire them. More choices
with better labeling certainly does not hurt anyone.

Sincerely,
Dr. Keith L. Ligon
Harvard Medical School