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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
MYTH: USDA thinks it’s okay to not enforce humane slaughter laws and regulations.
FACT: USDA takes very seriously any violations of humane animal handling and humane slaughter regulations. USDA has taken and will continue to take strong enforcement action against slaughter plants that fail to follow humane handling and slaughter requirements.
MYTH: The Humane Farming Association (HFA) has videotape showing violations of humane slaughter laws and regulations.
FACT: A team of Federal and Washington State officials conducted an investigation and concluded that HFA deleted footage showing corrective actions taking place if an animal is not properly stunned. Furthermore, a prosecuting attorney, who was asked to review the investigation results to determine if any criminal charges should be filed, "was particularly concerned that the unedited videotape demonstrated HFA’s intent to promote a particular agenda through the edited tape, such that all evidence developed by HFA was discredited."
MYTH: USDA workers will be fired if they stop the production line.
FACT: USDA inspectors and veterinarians stop the production line if they see any violations of humane slaughter regulations. If they do not, they are negligent in their duties.
MYTH: Inspectors have virtually no access to the areas of the plants where live animals are handled and slaughtered.
FACT: USDA inspectors and veterinarians have access to every area of a plant, including animal handling and slaughter areas, and are required to take action against violations.
MYTH: USDA allowed violations of humane slaughter laws to go on for several years at two plants.
FACT: This statement is absolutely false. The system worked. Immediate action was taken. Inspection was withheld at each of these plants for failure to follow humane slaughter regulations. Neither plant is operating.
For Further Information, Contact:
FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs Staff
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 690-0460