Beff Slaughter Costs Deerly

Someone has to pay for the largest beef recall in U.S. history. The federal government wants a California slaughterhouse to do so and has billed it $67 million for expenses related to the recall of 143 million pounds of beef in February.

After a video showed plant employees mistreating sick or weakened cows at the Westland/Hallmark Co. facility in Chino, Calif., the USDA ordered the recall. "Downer" cows had been slaughtered in violation of USDA policy.

The government billed the business for more than 50 million pounds of beef purchased for the National School Lunch Program. Further bills for the cost of destroying the beef and providing new supplies to affected schools may cost another $50 million. It is probable that the plant will not be able to pay. Taxpayers will pick up the tab.

Source: WatertownDailyTimes