Westland/Hallmark Meat Company president defends himself in congressional testimony

After the largest meat recall in the history, head of the Westland/Hallmark says his company did not do wrong. Yeah, tell that to the cows and the school children and anyone else who received this meat. Congressional panel called for this person for testimony.

Associated Press - March 12, 2008 8:43 AM ET

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The head of a slaughterhouse at the center of the largest beef recall in U.S. history says his company is ruined despite no evidence of contamination.

Westland/Hallmark Meat Company President Steve Mendell defends himself strongly in testimony being presented to a congressional panel. He says no unsafe beef was processed at his California plant.

It's his first time speaking out since undercover video of apparent abuses of crippled cattle at his plant led to its shutdown and the recall of 143 million pounds of beef.

Mendell contends that the cows shown unable to walk in the Humane Society of the United States video were designated to be euthanized. He says they were not being sent to slaughter in violation of federal rules barring most "downer" cows from the food supply.

Mendell testifies under subpoena today.

tag: USDA recall, food recall, Beef Recall, Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing, Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing recall, animal-abuse, FSIS, adulterated beef, Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle