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Lawsuit Claims US Government Is Ignoring Slaughterhouse Coronavirus Risk

by Alix Coe | August 18, 2020

A group of doctors has filed a lawsuit against the US government, claiming that it is ignoring concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in slaughterhouses.

Non-profit organization the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) raised the lawsuit as the government has refused to introduce mandatory meat product testing.

The PCRM argues that all meat and poultry products should be tested for coronavirus before it is eligible for sale, citing the high numbers of slaughterhouse workers who have contracted COVID-19 as a primary reason.

“Risks To Workers And The Public”

“U.S. slaughterhouses remain under intense pressure to produce meat and poultry products, despite risks to workers and the public,” stated the PCRM.

“Today, no U.S. slaughterhouse tests its meat and poultry products or packaging for the presence of the virus.”

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Slaughterhouse Coronavirus Risk

Earlier this year, the PCRM petitioned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement coronavirus testing on products, and to require grocery stores to warn consumers of the possible virus risk. Both requests were denied by the government.

“Transmission Of The Virus”

“Plant workers who are asymptomatic may still be viral carriers,” explained Neal Barnard, MD, President of the PCRM.

“Because these workers directly handle meat and poultry products, and because the COVID-19 virus is easily airborne, transmission of the virus to the products they handle is likely, which means transmission of the virus into people’s homes is likely.” 

Do you think the government should introduce the mandatory testing of meat products? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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