Meat + Poultry - June 2008 - 4

THE FRONT PAGE
FSIS rule would halt
slaughtering of 'downers'

Tyson deals six brands
to Kayem Foods

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture will draft a proposed rule to prohibit the slaughter of all disabled non-ambulatory cattle, also know as "downer cattle," according to Secretary of
Agriculture Ed Schafer.
"In other words, I am calling for the end of the exceptions in
the so called 'downer rule,'" he said.
As a result, the Food Safety and Inspection Service will draft a
proposed rule to remove the exception allowing certain injured cattle to proceed to slaughter. The proposed rule is expected to provide additional efficiencies to food-safety inspection by removing a
step for inspectors who are currently required
to determine whether or not non-ambulatory
cattle are demonstrating symptoms of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy.
One day after being sworn in as Secretary
of Agriculture, Schafer was told of the alleged
illegal acts of inhumane handling that took
place at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing
Company in Chino, Calif. He said he called
Schafer
upon the Office of the Inspector General and
the FSIS to determine how it happened and what could be done in
the future to ensure that animals are treated humanely.
"We found clear evidence that rules weren't being followed,
which resulted in USDA calling for the largest beef recall in American history - a clear sign that we took these inhumane violations
seriously. Rules have purpose, and when you violate them, there
are consequences."
On Feb. 28, Schafer instructed the FSIS to initiate a number of interim action items related to inhumane handling. The 60-day enhanced
surveillance period concluded on May 6 and while results are still being analyzed, he announced his most recent decision.
"Last year, of the nearly 34 million cattle that were slaughtered,
under 1,000 cattle that were re-inspected were actually approved
by the veterinarian for slaughter," he said. "This represents less than
0.003 percent of cattle slaughtered annually."
The current rule, which focuses on cattle that went down after
they have already passed pre-slaughter inspection, has been challenging to communicate and has, at times, been confusing to consumers, he added.
"To maintain consumer confidence in the food supply, eliminate
further misunderstanding of the rule and, ultimately, to make a positive
impact on the humane handling of cattle, I believe it is sound policy
to simplify this matter by initiating a complete ban on the slaughter of
downer cattle that go down after initial inspection," he said.
The decision to ban all non-ambulatory cattle from slaughter
will positively impact the humane handling of cattle by reducing
the incentive to send marginally weakened cattle to market, he
said. "Cattle producers, transporters and slaughter establishments
alike will be encouraged to enhance humane-handling practices,
as there will no longer be any market for cattle that are too weak
to rise or walk on their own," Schafer concluded.

CHELSEA, MASS. - Kayem Foods Inc. announced an
agreement May 20 with Tyson Foods, Inc. to acquire
several regional hot dog and deli meat brand names,
including Jordan's, Deutschmacher, Kirschner, Essem,
Tasty Bite and Willams of Vermont. Tyson officials
said the brands were sold as part of the company's
effort to increase efficiencies by eliminating product
lines with lower sales volume and streamlining the
number of products
it supports.
"Kayem Foods
is a worthy steward
for these important
brands and the traditions they have created," said Ray Monkiewicz, president and CEO of Kayem Foods Inc. "Like Kayem, these
brands began as corner meat markets and matured into
providers of delicious authentic meat products using
the highest quality standards. We are working hard to
create a seamless transition with Tyson and our retail
partners to ensure continued availability for consumers
across New England who cherish these brands."
Tyson has owned the brands since 2001. As part
of the agreement, Kayem Foods will take ownership
of all trademarks associated with the New England
brands and retain marketing rights.

MEAT&POULTRY

June 2008

www.MEATPOULTRY.com

USDA examines food prices,
biofuels not to blame
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture released an economic analysis on May 20 showing higher
energy prices, increased worldwide demand and the
weather are the primary factors contributing to higher
food prices, not biofuels.
In a briefing on the report, Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said oil prices have climbed to record
rates this year, and that global biofuels production cut
crude oil consumption by 1 million barrels per day,
per International Energy Agency data.
"Developing diversity in our portfolio of fuels is if
anything an even more urgent matter than it has been
in the past," Schafer said. "And it is one that remains
central to our energy security and our national security. The policy choices we have made on biofuels will
deliver long-term benefits."
Schafer went on to criticize recent efforts to repeal
the U.S. biofuels policy, and urged the focus to stay
on long-term solutions. "The need for food and fuel
is only going to grow," he said.

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Meat + Poultry - June 2008

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