Largest meat recall in history 'only the tip of the iceberg'

Slaughterhouse expert and humane farming investigator reveals the shocking story of greed, neglect, and inhumane treatment inside the US meat industry

329 pages; ISBN 978-1-59102-450-7; Paperback: $19. Click here for more information.

On Sunday, February 17, 2008 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued its largest meat recall in United States history, less than three weeks after a slaughterhouse worker secretly made a tape depicting violations of federal animal care regulations by a Westland division of the Hallmark Company. Upon investigation, the Humane Society of the United States found animals too sick to walk or stand- called “downers” by industry- being kicked, beaten, dragged with chains, shocked with electric prods, sprayed in the face with hoses and rammed by forklifts to get them to stand and pass USDA inspection. Of the 143 million pounds of beef recalled, 37 million were likely already consumed. With 20 meat recalls issued last year alone, one of more than 20 millions pounds, Americans are left to question their trust in the USDA and wonder exactly what happens to their food before it enters their mouths.