Humane Society Video Results in Massive Recall
In October, consumers were shocked by the 21.7 million-pound meat recall that forced one hamburger company to close their doors forever.
Compared to this burger ban four months ago, yesterday’s announcement by the USDA to recall 143 million pounds really stands out as the largest beef recall in the U.S.
The meat in question came from the now-famous California downers - sick or injured cows that were mistreated, abused, and tortured while down. About a month ago, the Humane Society revealed that they had been performing undercover investigations, and released a highly graphic video exposing that horrible things that were going on.
Word spread quickly, and soon TV stations nationwide were showing clips from the HSUS video. As a result, the USDA has deemed the meat from the Chino-based slaughterhouse unsuitable for human consumption.
“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,” Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said in a statement.
Additionally, two (ex-)employees lost their jobs and have been charged with multiple counts of felony and misdemeanor animal abuse and neglect charges. These workers - including a manager - were seen in the video kicking, punching, electrically shocking, and forcing water down the throats of cows unable to move.
Thanks to reader Irene for sending this news alert in so quickly! Check out Irene’s Web site for information on March of Dimes, and to support her in her efforts to raise money and awareness in memory of her infant son Samuel.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:08 am
[...] animals that are too weak, sick, or injured to stand on their own, made headlines not long ago when the Humane Society released video footage of an undercover investigation into the treatment of these animals. Workers seem to think that a [...]