The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has formally granted the U.S. “controlled-risk” status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The OIE has three categories of BSE risk — “negligible,” “controlled” and “undetermined” — which are determined on the basis of data and veterinary surveillance by countries where the disease has been detected.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns released the following statement Tuesday regarding OIE’s move:

“I’m pleased to report that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has formally classified the United States as a controlled risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This classification onfirms what we have always contended-that U.S. regulatory controls are effective and that U.S fresh beef and beef products from cattle of all ages can be safely traded due to our interlocking safeguards.”