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Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co., the Chino, Calif.-based
processor that has been on death row since abuse of non-ambulatory
cows at its processing plant prompted the largest beef recall
in U.S. history, has a buyer, according to the Press-Enterprise
.
Arizona livestock broker and rancher Marvin Roberts, president
and CEO of Phoenix-based Roberts Enterprises, reportedly
aims to establish a new slaughterhouse and processing operation
by September under a new company called American Beef Packers
Inc. The company would employ some 250 people.
Roberts visited Chino on Tuesday to review permits and inspect
the Hallmark plant, which is in escrow, the PE reported.
Roberts said he plans to install surveillance cameras and
institute training on humane handling practices. "I don't
want to have an issue like [the recall] again," he was quoted
as saying.
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is still reviewing
Roberts' application.
Hallmark/Westland still owes money to USDA's Agricultural
Marketing Service, which filed a "warranty action" against
the company for $67.2 million.
"If Westland does not respond to AMS, we will initiate legal
action against the company," AMS spokeswoman Becky Unkenholz
was quoted as saying.
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