Vilsack Bans Slaughter of 'Downer' Cattle
With growing concerns about our nation's food safety, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has taken steps to clean up the meat supply. Cattle that are non-ambulatory when entering a slaughterhouse (known as "downer" cows) are now to be humanely euthanized and removed from the food chain.Previously, downer cows were allowed to enter the slaughterhouse if they previously passed USDA inspection. If they were injured or fell ill during the time following their last check-up, they were still allowed to be butchered and sold as food. These types of animals are more susceptible to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (or "made cow disease").
Due to massive beef recalls by Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing plant in California after video revealed injured and sick cows being abused and forced to stand to pass inspection, the USDA suggested closing this loophole in May of 2008. Vilsack has has now acted on the recommendation and has hopes that it will encourage consumer confidence in the beef industry.
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