In-N-Out drops Chino slaughterhouse
under federal probe

February 1st, 2008
by Nancy Luna

In-N-Out Burger said Friday that the Irvine fast-food chain has ended its relationship with a Chino slaughterhouse under investigation for its treatment of sick cows.

Federal authorities said it was probing Hallmark Meats Packing Co. after The Humane Society of the United States revealed earlier this week a videotape showing workers kicking sick cows and ramming them with the blades of a forklift.

Hallmark packs meat for Westland Meat Co., one of the nation’s top suppliers to the National School Lunch Program. While most media reports have been focused on the meat packer’s ties to schools, the Humane Society said it is also trying to determine what connections Hallmark might have to food or restaurant businesses.

In-N-Out is among the first restaurants to acknowledge a connection to the meat packer.

The iconic burger chain — known for its fresh, hand-pressed burgers — has a loyal fan base that stretches beyond its West Coast locations. On Friday, President Mark Taylor said the chain immediately ended its relationships with Hallmark and Westland once it became “aware of these shocking allegations.”

“We would never condone the inhumane treatment of animals and, in fact, all of our suppliers must agree to abide by our strict standards for the humane treatment of cattle,” he stated. “In-N-Out Burger had purchased a relatively small percentage of our beef from Hallmark/Westland. Every one of our suppliers must meet all USDA requirements including those dealing with animal welfare. “

Taylor also said In-N-Out conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of its suppliers to make sure they are continuously adhering to its standards, as well as federal requirements. He said In-N-Out has been providing customers with high quality burgers for nearly 60 years.

“That is a pledge we will always keep,” he added. (shown, right)

San Diego-based Jack in the Box has also weighed in. While the chain doesn’t “purchase product directly from Westland/Hallmark,” spokeswoman Kathleen Anthony said the burger chain has “demanded that our suppliers suspend use of any product” from those companies.