FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Cattle raisers statement on beef recall

FORT WORTH, Texas, February 21, 2008—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.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 130-year-old trade organization whose 15,000 members manage approximately 3.7 million cattle on 96.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and education opportunities for its members.

TSCRA-08-2008