The Calfskins used for the production of the collagen applied in Artecoll, have been selected from healthy animals which are raised within districts in Germany, that have no known cases of BSE. Each animal is strictly controlled in a documented veterinary program. Age, feeding programs, maternal lineage etc are all carefully monitored and controlled. No hormones or antibiotics have been administered during the feeding program of these animals. The collagen has been produced by using the internationally accepted bovine collagen purification step: One hour treatment with 1 N Sodiumhydroxide at 20 degrees Celsius. No aldehyde products have been applied during processing. The very best available production methods to eliminate any infectious agents have been employed in the production. This production method has contributed to a known allergy rate of 0.08%.