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Feds Suspend Purchases From Central Valley Slaughterhouse Accused Of Cruelty

FRESNO (CBS / AP) -- The federal government said it has suspended purchases of meat from a California slaughterhouse under investigation for animal cruelty and possible health issues.

The USDA bought 21 million pounds of beef from Central Valley Meat Co. in 2011 for the national school lunch and other federal food programs.

In announcing the suspension Wednesday, the agency said suppliers of federal food programs must comply with humane handling regulations.

An undercover video taken at the slaughterhouse shows cows that may be sick or lame being shocked, kicked and repeatedly shot on their way to slaughter.

Federal officials say nothing they have seen so far in the video shows meat from cows that may have been sick or lame made it into the food supply, but interviews with employees were ongoing.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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