Other major packers still to allow additive banned by Tyson
Days after Tyson Foods announced that it would no longer process animals fed with the Zilmax feed additive, several other large packers stated that they would not change their cattle-buying practices. National Beef Packing Co. and JBS USA both issued statements that they would continue to accept cattle fed with Zilmax, a feed additive that promotes weight gain, reports the Wall Street Journal.
National Beef Packing issued a brief statement Monday afternoon, stating, ”National Beef places a high priority on animal welfare with cattle in our facilities and we do not plan to change our cattle-procurement practices.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian-based JBS, said it has noticed similar problems to those cited by Tyson, and added it will continue its current approach of "extensive monitoring" of animals at its plants.
JBS hasn't been able to identify a cause, JBS spokesman Cameron Bruett said in an interview. He said the company has a "heightened interest" in the matter, but would continue to accept animals fed with the supplement.
"It has caught our attention and it's not something we want to happen," Bruett said. "We're always concerned with the well-being of animals."
The companies follow a move by rival Cargill Inc., which on August 8 said it would continue to accept cattle fed with Zilmax.
Source: Wall Street Journal
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