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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING PILGRIM'S PRIDE
PLANT
Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass today applauded Pilgrim's
Pride officials for taking aggressive action to reinforce the company's
animal welfare program and further instill public confidence in
the company and their products. Commissioner Douglass said, "I
am pleased that company officials acted quickly and decisively to
handle the situation. Even though the West Virginia Department of
Agriculture (WVDA) has no inspection or regulatory authority at
the Moorefield Pilgrim's Pride plant, the WVDA has monitored the
situation closely and has remained in contact with those involved
in the investigation process. We are satisfied with Pilgrim's efforts
to maintain the integrity of the company and the process. Clearly
the humane treatment of animals must be high on the priority list
of food producers and consumers alike."
Contact: Buddy Davidson
Communications Officer
304/558-3708, 361-9484 (pager)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal
and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and
consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner
of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West
Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving
agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit
www.wvagriculture.org.
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