Actually, 140 or so have died from bovine spongiform encephalopathy, all but 10 in the UK.
Let me tell you I have researched "inedible rendering" plants, which is where inedible meat products are sent to be turned into marketable items. These items include:
1. tallow, used for making soap
2. meat meal, used as a protein ingredient in animal and pet food
3. bone meal, a mineral feed supplement for poultry and dairy
4. fatty acids and glycerin, used in cosmetics, auto tires, plastics, and organic chemicals.
I'd say getting away from the problem is going to be pretty hard. See my most recent article in the "Mad Cow" thread on CE to get some good info.
Oh, and I am of course against it, as I am against factory farming, as I am against killing of animals for food unless raised and slaughtered organically. Which is why I don't eat meat.
