WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer
WHAT: Undercover video taken by animal rights activists shows cows too ill to walk being lifted and prodded into the slaughter box with forklifts. Sick cows are not supposed to enter the food supply because they carried increased risk of mad cow disease. The activity in the video went on while USDA inspectors were supposedly supervising the facility. The meatpacking company in question produces beef for use in public school lunches.
WHERE:California plant accused of torturing unfit cows [Reuters]
THE QUOTE:“First of all, this issue is taken very seriously by the USDA employees responsible for this area,” he told reporters. “Obviously, there is a full investigation and inspection going on today.”

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