WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday that a West Virginia cattle dealer has been sentenced to six months probation for refusing to obey court orders against introducing animals to the food supply.

Shirley A. Rhodes of Sandyville, W. Va. had been prohibited from putting her cattle into the food supply until the FDA had approved her record-keeping system. The FDA had reportedly initiated the case after illegal levels of drug residue were found in calves Rhodes had sold.

According to reports, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin sentenced Rhodes, finding her guilty of criminal and civil contempt for introducing adulterated food into the marketplace and for failing to maintain proper medication records for calves as part of her business, Rhodes Livestock. The violations occurred over a number of years, as recently as 2008, and involved 23 positive tests for drugs such as neomycin, penicillin, gentamicin and other antibiotics. No repercussions to human health were reported.

Rhodes is reportedly barred from purchasing, selling, obtaining, or transferring any animals that may be used for human food for six months. After six months, she is may not start those activities until the FDA approves her written record-keeping system.

Source: Food and Drug Administration