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Congress to question president of shutdown California slaughterhouseWASHINGTON (AP)--The head of the Southern California slaughterhouse at the center of the largest beef recall in U.S. history is getting another chance to testify before Congress after not showing up to answer lawmakers' questions last month. Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., President Steve Mendell was to appear March 12 under subpoena before the House Energy and Commerce investigations subcommittee. Mendell was a no-show at a committee hearing Feb. 26, but submitted written testimony in advance of the March 12 hearing and was expected to answer lawmakers' questions. Mendell hasn't been heard from since issuing a written statement Feb. 3 saying he was "shocked and horrified" by undercover video released by the Humane Society of the United States showing workers at his plant apparently prodding and shocking downed cattle to slaughter in violation of federal regulations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture subsequently shut down operations at the plant and 143 million pounds of beef were recalled, including more than 50 million pounds intended for federal programs, mostly school lunches. Two workers at the plant have been arrested on animal cruelty charges by San Bernardino County authorities in an ongoing criminal investigation. Lawmakers have criticized the USDA's inspection program and called for reforms, and the USDA has announced stepped-up random inspections pending the results of an internal investigation.
Date: 3/17/08
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