Where’s the Beef?  

Last month, there was a bit of a sensation about a slaughterhouse in Chino , California , which mistreated cows and used the beef from “downer” cows.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the largest beef recall in its history Sunday, calling for the destruction of 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef produced by a Chino slaughterhouse that has been accused of inhumane practices.  

However, the USDA said the vast majority of the meat involved in the recall -- including 37 million pounds that went mostly to schools -- probably has been eaten already.  Officials emphasized that danger to consumers was minimal. …  

The action came nearly three weeks after the Humane Society of the United States released a video showing workers at the plant using forklifts and water hoses, among other methods, to rouse cattle too weak to walk. In addition to issues of animal cruelty, the video raised questions about whether so-called downer cattle were entering the food chain in violation of federal regulations.  

Although the Humane Society said at least four non-ambulatory cattle had been slaughtered for food, the USDA had repeatedly said it had no such evidence. On Sunday, federal officials said for the first time that they had evidence such cattle from Hallmark had been processed for food. … Los Angeles Times, February 18, 2008.

If you answer the multiple-choice questions below and e-mail to lessonanswers@mymontebello.com with “Lesson answers” in the subject field, you will be credited toward a “certificate of recognition in community affairs” to be awarded in 2007 by a local nonprofit organization.  

1. What is the essential lesson here?

(a) Our government is not doing enough.

(b) We should not depend totally on government for our health and safety.

(c) It is good to have private citizens involved as watchdogs.  

2. What is the best thing for us to do to improve our health and safety?

(a) Demand that government do more monitoring.

(b) Support, even join, private citizens who become our watchdogs.

(c) Increase the penalties for endangering health or safety.

March 6, 2008