Meat Industry Inspections
The Southern California area produces millions of pounds of beef every day and feeds millions of people throughout Southern California, the nation and the world. The meat industry in conjunction with USDA inspection procedures has provided the consumer with a wholesome and nutritious product in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
The Times article cited a report put out by the USDA, which is based on inspections of meat houses in January and February of 1985. The public needs to be made aware of what the figures presented actually mean to them. The report stated that 6% of the plants inspected received ILRs (notice that the plant must improve or face additional action). The plants named in the article account for less than 1% of the meat produced and consumed in Southern California.
MIKE HERRERA
Arcadia
Herrera is executive director of the Associated Meat & Food Suppliers of Southern California.
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