NorthwestJanuary 7, 2004

Associated Press

ASPEN, Colo. -- Beef might be what's for dinner, but it won't be served for lunch in Aspen's elementary and middle schools.

A contractor who provides lunch for about 750 students a day said she will stop serving beef indefinitely because of the discovery of mad cow disease in Washington state.

"I know the government says beef is safe, but I don't believe the government has much credibility right now," Anne Owsley, owner of The Lunchroom Co., said this week.

"It's my hunch, but it's also my prerogative," said Owsley, who said her contract gives her sole control of the menu. "I serve by my own conscience."

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The Colorado Beef Council said beef is safe and called Owsley's decision alarmist and premature.

"When the secretary of agriculture says beef is safe, when the president continues to eat beef, and when American consumers continue to eat beef, I think this is strong overreaction," said Fred Lombardi, the council's executive director.

Beef will stay on the menu at Aspen High School, which has a different lunch provider.

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