Daily News Update, Feb. 21, 2008
Cattle raisers statement on beef recall
The
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) supports the
efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas
Department of Agriculture (TDA) regarding the Hallmark/Westland Meat
Packing Co. beef recall.
This recall
was based on handling procedure errors and not on food safety miscues.
There are many mechanisms in place to ensure that beef products meet the
highest levels of safety. The beef we eat is safe because of the
multiple safety procedures through which beef food products must pass
before arriving at grocery stores or restaurants.
"TSCRA
applauds Commissioner Todd Staples and the Texas Department of
Agriculture for working with Texas school districts to arrange for
alternative suppliers of beef to Texas school lunch programs," says
TSCRA President Jon Means, a cattle raiser from Van Horn.
TSCRA
does not condone the actions of the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co.
As one of the state's three sponsors of the Texas Beef Quality Producer
educational program with Texas Beef Council and Texas AgriLife
Extension, TSCRA regularly offers free education to producers on safe
and humane animal handling practices. "The welfare of our herds and the
safety of our food product are our top priorities," says Means. |
