COK Update: USDA Shuts Down California Dairy Cow Slaughter Plant – Again

As reported yesterday afternoon by the Los Angeles Times, the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) just shut down Central Valley Meat, a California dairy cow slaughterhouse, for failing to meet standards relating to cleanliness.

Feb 19 Update: COK learned this afternoon that the USDA lifted its suspension earlier today, and Central Valley Meat is back in operation. Stay tuned for details.

This is the same facility that was shut down in 2012 after a COK investigator documented egregious inhumane treatment and torture of cows, many of whom were too sick or injured to walk.

COK’s gut-wrenching undercover video (embedded below) also prompted several major companies, including Costco, McDonald’s, and In-N-Out Burger to sever ties with this facility. And this story of animal abuse made headlines across the US and internationally, including an award-winning exclusive report on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer as well as features in the UK Daily Mail, Reuters, the Associated Press, and New York Times.

Central Valley Meat is also a major supplier to the USDA’s National School Lunch Program and other federal food initiatives. And while no meat recalls have been issued in relation to either the 2012 or 2014 shutdowns, last year the USDA announced that Central Valley Meat recalled an estimated 90,000 pounds of ground meat based on concerns that it may contain small pieces of plastic.

It’s no surprise that this facility, which has a history of rampant animal abuse and meat recalls, is also now having issues with unsanitary conditions.

Read more about our investigation inside Central Valley Meat, and take steps to protect your health—and animals—by choosing vegetarian foods.