Mad cow fear engulfs US again

The US Department of Agriculture has mandated one of the largest meat recalls in US history - a record 65 million kg of beef - after it determined a California slaughter house had pushed cows with poor health into the food chain.
US Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer on Sunday said the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company had slaughtered cattle "unfit for human food". The meat was sold to schools, emergency food recipients and Indian reservations.
Schaefer said the packing plant had violated safeguards that protect against "food borne disease" by butchering non-ambulatory cattle. US law forbids using such animals because of the danger of bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE, more widely known as mad cow disease.
The disease causes a wasting disorder in the animals and humans who consume infected meat. The sickness in cattle has been traced to infected parts from other cattle that were added to the feed of the normally vegetarian cud chewers.
US officials have banned the use of parts of dead cows in cow feed and closely monitor herds for BSE since the first US case was discovered in 2003 at a farm in Washington state.
The investigation and recall followed release of a video over the past days by the Humane Society of the US showing workers kicking so-called "downer" cows and using electric prods and forklifts to make them move.
-
Trump calls for 'immediate' release of Mar-a-Lago search warrant
Former President Donald Trump called late Thursday for the “immediate” release of the federal warrant the FBI used to search his Florida estate, hours after the Justice Department had asked a court to unseal the warrant, with Attorney General Merrick Garland citing the “substantial public interest in this matter.” The Justice Department request earlier Thursday is striking because such documents traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation.
-
India asks Canada to ensure security at Independence Day celebration events
For the first time ever, the Indian government has called upon Canada to ensure adequate security during Independence Day celebrations at missions in the country but to also prevent the disruption of events organised by the Indo-Canadian community. This was conveyed by India's high commission in Ottawa to Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, in a diplomatic communique.
-
Anti-mandate protests: Doubts cast over Canada PM’s move to impose emergency in February
Doubts have been cast over the necessity for the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to impose a draconian emergency in the country in February to counter the so-called Freedom Convoy then occupying the capital of Ottawa, as documents filed in a court on Thursday appeared to indicate there was information that a “breakthrough” was possible in negotiations between authorities and the anti-vaccine mandate protesters. The Canadian government has countered these revelations.
-
Criticism as US regulator CDC loosens Covid guidelines: ‘Blood on hands…’
Over the last two years, the United States has seen coronavirus wreaking havoc while the world witnessed the worst of the pandemic in one of the world's most developed nations. Amid the spread of virus and its mutation still a matter of concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has taken a step forward in loosening the restrictions. Children exposed to Covid don't have to get a negative test.
-
Shelling near Ukraine nuclear plant: India calls for mutual restraint
India has expressed concerns over shelling near the fuel storage of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, as the Russian offensive continues for over five months. The shelling at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is under Russia's control since March, came ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday to address concerns regarding the facility's safety.