Cannibalism may have killed Neanderthals. Neanderthals who practiced cannibalism may have spread a mad cow-like disease that weakened and reduced populations, thereby contributing to their extinction, according to a new theory. [News Source]

USDA rejects ‘downer’ cow ban. The Ag. Secretary said he would not endorse an outright ban on "downer" cows entering the food supply or back stiffer penalties for regulatory violations by meat-processing plants in the wake of the nation's largest beef recall. [News Source]

Slovenia suspects new case of mad cow disease (AlertNet) Source: Reuters LJUBLJANA, Feb 29 (Reuters) - The Slovene Veterinary Administration on Friday reported a suspected new case of mad cow disease. The administration said preliminary tests indicated bovine spongiform ... [News Source]

Bad beef. The USDA should change their disclosure policy and answer that age-old question: Where's the beef? [News Source]

Kohl wants more vigilance in U.S. food system. Food safety and poorly treated animals are the top issues emanating from the recent massive beef recall. [News Source]

Gov’t sued over rules for ailing cattle. The Humane Society sued the federal government Wednesday over what it said is a legal loophole that allows sick or crippled cattle, called "downers," into the food supply. [News Source]

Chance of getting sick from recalled beef is slim but not none. Federal officials have said there's little chance recently recalled meat from a Chino slaughterhouse made anyone sick. [News Source]

Humane Society sues USDA over mad-cow safety rules. The Humane Society of the United States has sued the federal agency tasked with inspecting livestock at slaughtering plants, highlighting concerns among some animal scientists and others about the nation's food-safety system. [News Source]

Humane Society sues U.S. in cattle case. The Humane Society of the United States sued the Agriculture Department on Wednesday for creating a “loophole” that it said is permitting potentially sick cows into the food supply. [News Source]

Centre to tackle mad cow cases (CNews) Any further cases of mad cow disease found in Alberta will make their way to the University of Alberta's new prion research lab - as soon as it's completed, that is. [News Source]