In-N-Out Beef Supplier Suspended Over Animal Cruelty Video
Federal investigators temporarily shut down a slaughterhouse in Hanford, California that supplies meat to the popular In-N-Out chain (as well as several schools) this week after an animal rights activist group released a video of poorly treated cows on YouTube, according to ABC News' Cindi Galli and Brian Ross. Compassion Over Killing, the activist group, filmed the four-minute undercover video at Central Valley Meat, which lead to In-N-Out canceling its contract. The Los Angeles Times notes that there will not be a recall.
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The video (warning: graphic) shows several cows wobbling as they walk, being prodded by workers, and sporting bloody snouts as they roll onto conveyor belts. It was filmed by a COK member who worked for Central Valley in June and July. Federal law says that cows that are too weak to stand cannot be slaughtered due to the risk of mad cow disease. A USDA statement said that based on the video, the beef is still safe to eat, but they're investigating for further violations.
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Central Valley Meat, for now, is passing on the blame to the USDA. President Brian Coelho said in a statement that he was surprised about the allegations because the plant is "under continuous inspection by USDA Food Safety and Inspection personnel who are empowered to take immediate action when they observe a problem."
