Settlement Reached In Calif. Slaughterhouse Probe

CHINO, Calif. (AP) — Several California slaughterhouses and meat-packing facilities have agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement after allegations of inhumane treatment at their facilities led to a massive beef recall that included meat sold to the National School Lunch Program.

The settlement is valued at $155 million, but the federal government and the Humane Society of the United States expect to collect only about $3 million under terms announced Wednesday.

The Humane Society sued after recording undercover video of crippled and sick animals being kicked, shocked and shoved with forklifts at Chino-based Westland Meat Co. and Hallmark Meat Packing Co. The federal government joined the suit.

The 2008 allegations triggered a beef recall of 143 million pounds.

Westland will pay $240,000.

Hallmark previously paid $304,130.

Others alleged to be investors will pay $2.45 million.

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