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The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine allege USDA violated Freedom of Information Act.

Compiled by staff

April 23, 2019

1 Min Read
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The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine sued USDA regarding alleged fecal contamination in meat and poultry, USA Today reported.

The lawsuit was filed April 16 in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., by the group of doctors. The group advocates for "plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research."

“Although USDA implements a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for fecal contamination, this policy applies to visible fecal contamination only,” the lawsuit claims, Fox News reports. “The result is that fecally contaminated meat and chicken products pass inspection as long as the feces on them are not visible to the naked eye.”

The lawsuit said the USDA violated the Freedom of Information Act by not responding to requests about fecal contamination rates. It also calls on USDA to respond to a petition submitted on March 14, 2013, MassLive.com reported.

For poultry, workers reportedly inspect up to 175 birds per minute for feces, the International Business Times reported.

KXAN reported that during a test of chicken products, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found 48% of the meat tested positive for fecal contamination.

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