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Cites newsworthy developments in Europe, as of April 4, 2000. Discovery of a case of mad-cow disease in the north of France; Decline in Stagecoach Holdings' share prices following the company's sale of its train-leasing operation.

The article discusses the growing popularity among U.S. retailers of private standards for food safety similar to those adopted by some European firms in the wake of a 1997 outbreak of mad cow disease. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has indicated it will require private certification for all meat, produce, and seafood that it buys.

Reports on beef consumption in Europe in spite of a campaign against mad-cow disease. Belief that publicity about foot-and-mouth disease, which is not a threat to humans, has replaced the fear of bovine spongiform encephalopathy from eating meat; Details of an auction of prime meat in Italy.

Examines the economic and social implications of bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic in Europe that affects cows and humans who eat infected cows.

Announces that European Union agriculture ministers were to meet on January 29, 2001 to discuss their response to a German decision to lower the age at which all cattle in the human food chain must be tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Reports on the efforts to test and investigate the prevalence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy disease on cows in Europe.

Reports on the limitations of tests used to detect mad-cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy in European cows as of December 2000. Risks associated with eating infected beef; Diagnostic tests approved by the European Union; Number of cows infected as of November 2000.