CRIMES WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES - gpvec

history of u.s. humane slaughter initiatives
The USDA issues inspection system procedure (ISP) code for humane
handling and slaughter violations to be used in citing plants for
violations of regulatory requirements. 45
HFA, along with AWI, the National Joint Council of Food Inspection
Locals, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA), the Government Accountability Project, the Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS), the Physician’s Committee for
Responsible Medicine, and Public Citizen, files rulemaking petition
with the USDA, requesting remedy for humane slaughter violations
at U.S. slaughterhouses—specifically that the USDA (1) permanently
station inspectors at critical locations, (2) require inspectors stop
slaughter operations when humane violations are observed, and (3)
adopt “whistleblower” regulations to protect workers who report
humane violations. 46
Burger King announces it will require meat suppliers to comply with
humane slaughter standards and will begin suppler audits in late 2001.
Company also submits petition to the USDA, requesting increased
enforcement of humane slaughter law. 47
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and National Council of Chain
Restaurants (NCCR) form an alliance to address care and handling of
animals used for food. These food industry trade associations eventually
accept AMI humane handling/slaughter standards for livestock and
National Chicken Council (NCC) standards for meat chickens. 48
2002 The USDA creates 17 new veterinary positions, originally called
“Humane Handling Verification Experts/Liaisons.” The majority of
their time is spent on tasks unrelated to humane slaughter –contrary
to the purpose of the funding secured by Senator Byrd. The USDA
changes their title to “District Veterinary Medical Specialists.” 49,50
Congress approves 2002 Farm Act that includes resolution expressing
that the USDA should fully enforce federal humane slaughter law and
report number of violations to Congress annually. 51
45 USDA-FSIS, ISP procedure code for humane slaughter, FSIS Notice 43-01, October 11, 2001.
46 Petition to USDA can be accessed at http://www.hfa.org/hot_topic/usda_petition.html.
47 For a discussion of Burger King’s and other fast food retailers’ animal welfare auditing programs, see Farm
Sanctuary, Farm animal welfare: an assessment of product labeling claims, industry quality assurance guidelines
and third party certification standards, 2005. (http://www.farmsanctuary.org/campaign/FAWS_Report.pdf)
48 For information about the FMI-NCCR animal welfare auditing program, see http://www.fmi.org/animal_
welfare/.
49 USDA-FSIS, New FSIS veterinary positions to oversee humane slaughter and handling issues (news release),
February 1, 2002. (http://fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/2002_News_Releases/index.asp)
50 HFA and AWI, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA) fact sheet, 2004, p. 2.
51 P.L. 107-171, H.Rept. 107-424. See also Becker G, Meat and poultry inspection: background and selected
issues, Congressional Research Service, December 12, 2005.
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