Ever wonder how your food is processed? Well, maybe you don't wonder how your food is processed, but there are some things consumers should be aware of when it comes to putting meat on the table. Current legislation allows USDA inspectors to approve meat at slaughterhouses from livestock that was "downed". "Downed" refers to animals that can not walk or stand due to illness or injury. Basically, you could be eating something that was rotting away from sickness. Not only is there poor quality of meat passed for consumers, but animal welfare is not considered. Most of the time, these animals are cruelly treated during their transportation to the slaughterhouse. However, through increased awareness of the issue, legislation may be passed to prohibit this activity.
How is meat being processed for "downed animals"?
Currently, slaughterhouses are permitted to allow livestock to be "downed" in the processing of meat. The only exception is cattle. Cattle was prohibited after the direct result of "mad cow disease". Mad cow disease stemmed from "downed" cattle being approved for human consumption. However, as noted, all other livestock are still allowed to be "downed" for human consumption. Downed animals are livestock who are either too sick or too injured to stand or walk. This usually takes place en route to the slaughterhouse, as many animals can become sick or injured on the ride there. They go without water, food, rest, and veterinary care, so if an animal is sick, it will not receive treatment. Instead, it will promptly go to the slaughterhouse for our consumption, even if the animal was ill prior. Another question raised about downed animals would be how do the animals even make it to the slaughterhouse if they are unable to walk or stand? Well, they are bulldozed, moved by a forklift, or drug by chains in order to get them to the destination. During this process, the animal can easily obtain further injury of abrasions, dislocated joints, broken bones, and other injuries. Obviously, this is unhealthy for consumers, as well as cruel to the animals. Changing legislation is the best way to improve the issue.
A downed sheep at a Texas stockyard.
What is being done to prevent this?
In order to end the cruelty that animals face and to protect consumers, legislation must be improved. As stated prior, only cattle have been prohibited from being downed in the use for human consumption. Consumers need to take a stand and demand quality goods be delivered. You can do that by writing to your congressmen and showing your support. The ASPCA has a letter already pre-written for you. Go to their website at: https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2147 and submit your support for the S. 394 and H.R. 661—Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act. With increase consumer awareness and the support of the Act, it will have a standing chance for being approved and allowing consumers to be protected against the quality of food they receive, as well as aid in the end of negligence in the care of animals.
As a consumer, you deserve to "get what you pay for". Many people may not realize that "downed" animals are allowed in the use for human consumption. Technically, you are not getting "what you pay for", since most people would not appeal to the idea of eating diseased meat. This issue is important for animal welfare and will end the neglect they receive. Livestock that is downed will be forced to be euthanized. Not only will animal welfare be improved if people support it, but it will protect consumers. Don't let another "mad cow disease" take place with a different livestock animal. Help support the Act and know that you are getting quality food.
For more information on downed animals and current legislation visit the following:
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