Anyways, this is the LARGEST recall in U.S. history, by over 100,000,000 (100 million) pounds.
Apparently, it came from a Southern California slaughterhouse, and is sold under the name of Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. Currently it "is being investigated for mistreating cattle" (AP)
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer says his department has evidence that the slaughterhouse didn't contact a veterinarian when cows became non-ambulatory [unable to walk] after inspection.
"Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall," said Schafer. (AP)Under federal regulation, downed cows are not allowed in the food supply because they pose a higher risk of being contaminated with mad cow, E. Coli, and salmonella. This is because they usually wallow in their feces, and have weaker immune systems.
Operations at Westfield have been suspended, after an undercover video was released of sick animals being pushed by forklifts. On Friday, two former employees were charged with animal cruelty.
This meat is used in some major fast food chains, and more disturbingly, THE FEDERAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM.
It is estimated that 37 million pounds have already been sent to schools, and most has been eaten already. No reported cases of illnesses have surfaced.
See the AP article on MSNBC here.
I'm glad I'm vegan so I don't have to worry about this! But I'm praying for the innocent children who may end up eating this, especially since many of them probably only eat federal lunch because they can't afford not to. Yet another reason why to go vegan or vegetarian!
5 comments:
This really turns the stomach.. It is scary for the ones that eat the meat and may become sick, as you stated like the innocent children. It is heart wrenching for those helpless animals.. I am with you Allie, I am proud to be vegan.
This also made the news in South Africa today. Sadly this is only a drop in the ocean. We all know that downed cows regularly land up in the food chain.
Thank goodness we are Vegan. The cruelty behind factory farming is disgusting on it's own without even thinking of the diseases it carries.
Humans are above animals and the cost of being humane to animals would effect America negatively. Do we need to justify our system? If the government hasn't issued any law against Chino slaughterhouse/ or cruetly by now then why do they need to today?
Please give me a feedback.
I'm so glad you're vegan because that means MORE MEAT FOR ME!
One issue with meat is not "another reason ... to go vegan or vegetarian." It's just a blip.
You people are crazy.
Crazy? For insulting someone else's belief on one tiny piece of the puzzle, I would say you are crazy, if not slightly retarded.
This is not about the little picture of one issue. This has happened thousands of times before. Almost all meat contains levels of Escherichia Coli or Salmonella, both of which can be deadly if not properly cooked. And then there's also Mad Cow Disease. The fact that our "food" system allows such animals, like downed cows (a higher risk for these diseases) into our food supply and Federal Lunch Program is a disaster. What's even worse is that these living, breathing, pain-feeling animals were shoved around with forklifts. That is a monstrosity within itself. Every time you eat meat, you are directly promoting suffering unto other beings and putting yourself at risk for illness and disease. Chew on that.
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