Remember the UK’s “horsemeat scandal” that prompted public outrage, meat recalls, and overall led to our neighbors across the Atlantic eating less meat? Yes, the discovery of horse DNA in some “beef” products caused quite a fuss . People began questioning the lack of oversight in food production methods as well as food safety. But, the issue also drew attention to how deeply cultural “food” norms run through our society. The scandal drew a bitter reaction from some because of the idea of eating an animal who is seen in many cultures as a companion or pet.
Last week, leaking ammonia caused an animal slaughter plant in China to go up in flames, resulting in 120 human deaths, and an unknown number of chickens also perished. While many have pointed fingers at China’s lax safety standards–and it’s justifiable that these standards be looked at–it’s also time to reexamine the fire safety standards in U.S. slaughter plants and factory farms.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and in between the long-distance phone calls, breakfasts in bed, and bouquets of flowers, why not take a few moments to celebrate and honor all moms by cooking up a mom-friendly vegan meal? After all, some of the most caring mothers in the world have a beaming heart that beats under fur or feathers – or under water.
Earlier this year, The Humane Society of the United States released a graphic undercover video revealing extreme cruelty to mother pigs and their piglets inside the Wheatland, Wyo.-based Wyoming Premium Farms. 
Earlier today, the National Pork Producer’s Council (NPPC) hosted an “educational” briefing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC titled “Farm Animal Welfare: How We Really Treat Our Animals.” Only thing is, the NPPC’s presentation — just like the factory farms that dominate the pork industry — was hidden behind closed doors.