US: Questions and answers Hallmark/Westland meat packing co. - (USDA News Release)
February 17, 2008 – 6:56 pmUSDA Actions
Q. Why didn’t USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service immediately suspend operations at Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company?
A. On Feb. 4, FSIS issued a Notice of Suspension based on the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company’s failure to maintain and implement controls to prevent the inhumane handling and slaughter of animals at the facility required by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. Issuing a Notice of Suspension is a normal course of action when FSIS finds egregious violations of humane handling regulations. The suspension will remain in effect and the plant will be unable to operate until written corrective actions are submitted and verified by FSIS to ensure that animals are handled and slaughtered humanely.
Q. Why didn’t FSIS suspend the establishment upon learning of the allegations?
A. FSIS initiated the investigation after receiving allegations of inhumane handling of cattle at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing […]
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