It has been alleged that a recent recall of tainted meat products in the us is shrouded in secrecy to protect the food industry at the expense of public health. The newspaper Spokesman-Review had filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the identities of over 580 distributors, restaurants and grocery stores that received 19 tonnes of tainted beef. Its request was turned down by the us Department of Agriculture (usda).
The particular consignment of the product was recalled after a Washington state cow tested positive for mad cow disease in December 2003. But by the time the test results were announced the meat from the single infected cow and others slaughtered that day -- which also became part of the recall -- had been mixed with meat from other cattle.
Eating mad cow meat can cause a fatal brain-wasting disease in humans. The usda, however, claims that the infected parts were removed before slaughter.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.