Mail Call.

New Hazards of Food and Farming

With the world fretting over mad-cow disease, readers appreciated our special report on the epidemic. "Thanks for your thoughtful coverage on the social impact of mad-cow disease," said one writer. Other letters enumerated the benefits of a vegetarian diet. "Meatless meals are healthier, better for the environment and cruelty-free," declared one writer. Another reader pointed out that "the amount of antibiotics and steroids being pumped into meat is staggering."

In Praise of the Organic Life

Thank you, NEWSWEEK, for publishing Tony Emerson's thoughtful article about current trends in Europe favoring vegan eating and organic farming resulting from the mad-cow scare ("Where's the Beef?" Special Report, Feb. 26). As usual, our Old World cousins across the Atlantic are leading the way, and it is only a matter of time before both these practices become more common in America.

Wendy Lochner -- Sayville, New York

It is gratifying to see a great chef like Alain Passard go vegetarian. Factory farming is cruel and contributes to environmental pollution. Mad cow is not the only reason to avoid eating meat. Many common diseases are attributable to meat and dairy products in the diet, including heart disease, a major killer. The amount of antibiotics and steroids being pumped into meat products is staggering. With so many restaurants now featuring vegetarian entrees, it's easy to go veggie!

Mary Jo Brooks -- Ridgeland, Mississippi