Meat From "Downed" Cattle Banned

(Sacramento) - A new law is being added to the California legal code that makes it a criminal act to sell meat made from "downed" animals - those that are too sick or injured to stand and walk. California State Assemblyman Paul Krekorian's legislation, Assembly Bill 2098, creates an economic disincentive to such practices. Although meat from "downed" animals is known to expose consumers to a much higher risk of potentially life-threatening conditions such as bovine spongiform encephalitis ("mad cow" disease), the E. coli bacteria and salmonella, many slaughterhouses throughout the United States have forced these animals into the slaughter line, often by resorting to inhumane practices. More information is provided in this Assembly Web Report.