In the 'US Suspect' designation, what happens to the head and carcass?

• A. Head submitted for testing; carcass labelled 'US Retained' until testing
• B. Head discarded; carcass sold
• C. Head cooked; carcass condemned
• D. Head kept on farm; carcass released

Answer: (A)

The situation is handled by testing the head and holding the rest of the carcass. When a carcass is designated as a US Suspect, the head is removed and submitted for diagnostic testing to determine if a prion disease like BSE is present. Meanwhile, the carcass is kept in a controlled area and labeled US Retained, so it cannot enter the food supply until test results are known. This approach protects public health because prions are not reliably neutralized by cooking, so confirmation through lab testing is essential before any decision about processing or release is made. If the results are negative, the carcass can be released for processing; if positive, it is disposed of under regulatory guidance.