The HSUS's Dr. Greger Testifies to House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

	©The HSUS
	Undercover video [WARNING: extremely graphic images] shows cows being pushed and run over with a forklift at Hallmark.

Today, Michael Greger, M.D., submitted written testimony to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce at a hearing called "Contaminated Food: Private Sector Accountability." Dr. Greger spoke about The HSUS's investigation into cruelties inflicted on downed dairy cows at the Hallmark Meat Packing Company.

Dr. Greger pointed out that downed cattle may be at higher risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, as well as the pathogens that cause mad cow disease and intestinal anthrax.

Dr. Greger labeled an "unacceptable loophole" and an "unrealistic, impossible expectation" a weakening of the 2004 no-downer rule that allowed inspection personnel to "determine on a case-by-case basis the disposition of cattle that become nonambulatory after they have passed antemortem inspection."

He urged Congress to swiftly pass H.R. 661, the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, which would implement a comprehensive ban on processing downed animals, and H.R. 1726, the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act, which would set basic animal welfare standards for producers who sell food to the National School Lunch Program and other federal programs.

Summary of Dr. Greger's testimony on CA Hallmark downer cow case [PDF]
Dr. Greger's written testimony on CA Hallmark downer cow case [PDF] 

What You Can Do

Urge your legislators to pass the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act and the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act.

Related Links

Undercover Investigation Reveals Rampant Animal Cruelty at California Slaughter Plant – A Major Beef Supplier to America’s School Lunch Program

Congressional Reactions to the Hallmark Meat Packing Investigation

Shedding Light on the Treatment of Dairy Cows

HSUS Investigation Prompts USDA Beef Recall; Congress Reacts

Editorial Pages Sound Off on HSUS Downer Investigation

Investigative Update: Cruelty at Calif. Slaughter Plant