USDA Criticised over Meatless Monday

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USDA Criticised over Meatless Monday

26 July 2012

US - A mishap on the USDA's web site stated: “one simple way to reduce our environmental while dining at our cafeteria is to participate in the "Meatless Monday" initiative." This comment sparked outrage from the industry, with many questioning the USDA's commitment to US farmers and ranchers, according to NCBA.

Later on in the day, the USDA released a subsequent news release saying that it did not support the extremist “Meatless Monday” campaign and stated that the statement was posted on its website without the “proper clearance.”

Following on from this, NCBA President J.D. Alexander said: "We appreciate USDA’s swift action in pulling this disparaging statement off its website. USDA publicly stated today that it does not support this campaign. We appreciate USDA making this right. The agency is important to all cattlemen and women, especially as we face unprecedented challenges, including drought and animal rights extremist groups spreading fiction to consumers who need to know the importance of beef in a healthy diet.

“USDA did right by scrapping this statement and acknowledging the important role of America’s farm and ranch families in providing food for the world. USDA denouncing support of the Meatless Monday campaign is an important step in correcting misinformation about the safety and sustainability of US beef production.”