Local News in Brief : Wholesaler Admits Misbranding Meat

A Gardena meat wholesaler pleaded guilty Monday to charges that he added chicken gizzards to his hamburger and passed off the mixture as pure beef.

Gerald Tully, 53, president of Tully Premium Meats Inc. pleaded guilty to one count of selling and transporting adulterated and misbranded foods. He faces a maximum of one year in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 3 by U.S. District Judge William Rea.

Tully’s lawyer, Charles Glass, also entered a guilty plea to the same charge on behalf of the company. The firm faces a maximum fine of $100,000.

John Bero, 45, vice president of the company, pleaded guilty earlier to the same charge. He is to be sentenced Aug. 29.

Prosecutors said the meat was used by retail and wholesale outlets and by mobile catering trucks but did not pose a threat to public health.