Officials estimate that about 37 million pounds of the recalled beef went
to school programs, but they believe most of the meat probably has already been
eaten.
"We don't know how much product is out there right now. We don't
think there is a health hazard, but we do have to take action," said Dr. Dick
Raymond, USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety.
Federal Officials suspended operations at Westland/Hallmark after an
undercover video from the Human Society of the United States surfaced showing
crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts.
Two former employees were charged Friday. Five felony counts of
animal cruelty and three misdemeanors were filed against a pen manager.
Three misdemeanor counts -- illegal movement of a non-ambulatory animal -- were
filed against an employee who worked under that manager. Both were
fired.
Authorities said the video showed workers kicking, shocking and otherwise
abusing "downer" animals that were apparently too sick or injured to walk into
the slaughterhouse. Some animals had water forced down their throats, San
Bernadino County prosecutor Michael Ramos said.
No charges have been filed against Westland, but an investigation by
federal authorities continues.
About 150 school districts around the nation have stopped using ground beef
from Hallmark Meat Packing Co., which is associated with Westland. Two fast-food
chains, Jack-In-the-Box and In-N-Out, said they would not use beef from
Westland/Hallmark.
Most of the beef was sent to distribution centers in bulk packages. The
USDA said it will work with distributors to determine how much meat
remains.
Federal regulations call for keeping downed cattle out of the food
supply because they may pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli,
salmonella or mad cow disease since they typically wallow in feces and their
immune systems are often weak.
Watch the undercover video that sparked the recall here. WARNING this is strong stuff. We don't have to or shouldn't wait for Congress or state legislatures to even do anything about this. We can take action now!
STOP BUYING FACTORY FARMED MEAT NOW!!!
Buy from your local farmers.
This website has the most comprehensive national list of meat producers who refuse to allow factory-farming methods. Not just cattle/beef either. We're talking eggs, milk, honey, pork, turkey, etc. Take a look -- here is a link to just the Michigan locales. It's surprising how many exist. And some even ship.
Watch that video and still say you trust the industrial food system to provide healthy meat. This is not the dominion mandate. This is not the husbandry that God commanded us and has given mankind. This is not the husbandry I am working toward handing off to my son one day.
1 comment:
Good job Brian! Regarding your animal husbandry blog- I found the whole Hallmark/Westland violations so totally despicible and disgusting that I literally felt sick after seeing it on television. It bothered me so much that I had nightmares that night. I am all for ethical treatment of animals- who are really defenseless in our care. I hope those (and other offenders like them such as Michael Vick) are shut down permanently, and that the owners are charged with the maximum penalties. This sort of treatment has gone on for too long. The poor animals aren't able to tell anyone what is done to them. I don't know how these monsters can live with themselves after what they have done. Makes you wonder what else they are capable of. I am going to start purchasing from local farmers here in New Hampshire. Thanks for the link! Sincerely, S.Bournival
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