The investigation found that sick and injured cows were still being processed, and the meat sent to a company that sends beef to our state. The graphic video shows workers at a California slaughterhouse giving electric shocks to "downer" cows-- cows too weak or sick to stand on their own.
The six-month investigation was conducted by an undercover Humane Society worker at the Hallmark Meat Packing Co. in Chino, Ca. All the practices seen on the video tape violate state and federal laws designed to keep unhealthy animals out of the food supply, for good reason.
Medical studies have found that downer cows have a higher risk of harboring spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. In addition, doctors say there could be higher rates of e coli and salmonella.
The Humane Society calls the investigation especially shocking because Hallmark Meat Packing and its processing partner, Westland Meat Co. supply meat to the National School Lunch Program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program, said it's looking into the incident. In addition, in a statement today, the two companies involved defended their safety procedures.
They also said the 2 employees seen in the video have been fired.
Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.