Judge Closes Filthy NY Slaughter Plant
A federal judge in White Plains, New York, has ordered the shutdown and padlocking of a kosher poultry slaughter facility in New Square, N.Y., that federal authorities say has been selling uninspected poultry since 2002.
The action was taken yesterday by Judge Stephen C. Robinson at the request of federal prosecutors who argued that the risk of foodborne illness or death was too great to allow New Square Meats to continue.
Here is an excerpt from news reporter Timothy O'Connor's story for LoHud.com describing conditions in the facility:
"During an April visit to the plant, federal investigators said they found poultry residue on walls, light fixtures, and the manager's office. Employee restrooms had no soap or hand sanitizer while rubbish and foul-smelling pools of water were found outside the plant, according to court papers federal authorities filed.''
Attorneys for the company asked the judge for a two-week reprieve, but he denied it in light of unsanitary conditions that posed an obvious health risk to the community.
