January 31, 2014
US FDA monitors Western Sugar''s beet pulp products recall
Following the death of an old woman after falling into machinery used to move sugar beets into the processing factory of Western Sugar Cooperative, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is monitoring the recall of Western Sugar''s beet pulp and tailings products.
The accident occurred January 4 at a Lovell, Wyoming-based sugar and molasses manufacturing facility run by the Western Sugar Cooperative. Western Sugar closed the plant while the woman''s body was recovered.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a statement that from January 4 to January 16, Western Sugar had produced beet by-products (beet pulp, beet pellets and tailings) for animal consumption. Some of the beet pulp and tailings were distributed to local feedlots and may have been fed to cattle. Western Sugar announced a voluntary recall of its beet pulp and tailings, and FDA is monitoring the recall. At least 5,000 feedlot cattle in Wyoming and Montana may be affected.
Meanwhile, FDA found that the beet by-products were adulterated, but noted there were no known human or animal health risk. Nevertheless, USDA agreed to buy and destroy any cattle that ate recalled feed "that are imminently scheduled for slaughter", the agency said in a statement.
"This additional step is being taken to help ensure consumer confidence. USDA is working closely with FDA, as well as the States of Wyoming and Montana. These states will work with producers to identify and certify the animals that are eligible for purchase."
At least 5,000 head of cattle were fed the contaminated beet pulp in Montana, according to news reports. In Wyoming, state and federal agencies have been involved in the investigation at Western Sugar. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture said in a statement that no products intended for human consumption were distributed.