Newest meat recall is largest in history - beef sold to American schools?!
Some excerpts,
""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."
"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."
And most disturbingly,
"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."
MY QUESTION:
Is it right that low-quality, inspection-failing slaughterhouses provide so much meat that is given to school children?
(The meat industry buys and contracts the government to make sure a certain amount of meat is bought and given to kids)
Answers: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080217/ap_o...
Some excerpts,
""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."
"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."
And most disturbingly,
"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."
MY QUESTION:
Is it right that low-quality, inspection-failing slaughterhouses provide so much meat that is given to school children?
(The meat industry buys and contracts the government to make sure a certain amount of meat is bought and given to kids)
Maggie, I think that your making the mistake that the people within the government actually CARE about many of the points that you bring up.
Example - I called up OSHA about violations where I work. WELL - someone at work sure seemed to have found out that it was me that did it - but NEVER were the issues addressed (even to date) that I called about and are still in violation. People on my job gave me a hard time for awhile - - till they figured out that I was more valuable and it was really going to cost them to pay and train someone to learn all that I already knew. They now leave me alone..... but God help me if I make a mistake now and again..... So much for the thought of such being 'anonymous'.
It is the same thing in any of the many government programs.
You will notice that it is getting no coverage on any of the major networks at all. That you found out as much as you did - a mere bandaid to show others that they are 'doing everything to fix the problem'. Thing is that you know as well as I do that this more than likely isn't the first time - nor are those 5 employees the only one that were involved. For that matter - this isn't the only company that has done such.
I forget just how many inspectors that they actually have within the United States to inspect the meat - but the number is so low - that it is a joke to think that they could even possibly check anywhere close to at best - say once a month (and that is being diligent and working hard) - MAYBE.
Anyone that thinks that the government has a close eye on the meat packing industry - is deluded.
Its not right, and the parents of these poor kids should be FURIOUS.
Protesting should be done immediately.
its Not allowed.. that is, these practices are illegal and now there are criminal charges and massive, company-closing recalls and soon lawsuits.
Any under the table trading, meat swapping, contract wranling etc is also illegal and liekly not that common. For an example from my own experience, from talking with District level managers in my own high-schools foods programs (I was in a special culinary elective), I found that most of the schools products were supplied by retailers who work with commercial restaurants as well.
There were supply contracts, but only to lock in certain pricing on agreement for certain volumes, the same any large kitchen system may have to ensure they could provide consistent products.
edit: on more research.. alrighty, this packager was high enough in the system to make it possible that thes products are everywhere. my comments still stand as valid as possible.
The isolated actions by a tiny handful of people do not automatically create a vast conspiracy to feed low grade meat to schoolchildren, or anyone.
Maggie, my fav online vegan! - I just saw that story, I tell ya, I am glad I am vegan and I wish to raise my kids vegetarian. But its sad that this story came out on sunday, not many people read the news on sunday afternoon. I hope ther eis loads of coverage, and parents are thinking of better alternatives!
I also hope more abuse cases come forward! - I know this is not the only place that does this stuff!
Can I make a suggestion?
Recalls happen. But being aware of them is the biggest problem..
That is why www.totalrecallinfo.com was formed.
Keep aware of all recalls daily at one-stop shop
Take care.
I swear to god the stuff they sell to schools is one grade above dog meat. I'm not a vegetarian but i rarely eat the stuff with meat in it at school except for maybe spaghetti and meatballs. The chicken they have is like rubber and the hamburgers are as dry as a piece of cardboard.
I don't think the quality of meat is necessarily affected one way or another. The bigger issue is why the cows were abused and why the criminals were let off with a slap on the wrist. They should be sent to prison. Cows today, humans tomorrow. I'm not comfortable with those slaughterhouse workers roaming the streets like wolves on the loose.
Is it right that low-quality, inspection-failing slaughterhouses provide so much meat that is given to school children?
No, it's not right. I'm glad they pressed charges against some of them.
Did the article say that the slaughterhouse failed inspection or the meat didn't get inspected? Was there anything found wrong with any of the meat?
Back To My Vegetable Garden + Fruit Trees; That will solve some problems....!!
Of course it's not right, no need to even ask that ;-)
Even if the beef were totally not contaminated, I would never knowingly eat meat from a company that tortures animals. We buy local from people we know, when we can.
As for the schools... I think kids need to go back to taking sack lunches. I don't trust large corporations at all.
In any case, if schools want to serve hot lunches, each school needs to pick and choose from whom they buy rather than contracting with the giants. That would likely make competition, which would make more ranchers a heck of a lot more careful.
These two abusive guys--Daniel Navarro and Luis Sanchez-- were apparently Mexicans, which is fine in itself... but does anyone know if they were illegals?