The United States Meat Industry began during colonial times when the colonists depended on wild animals for their meat supply. Colonists became involved in trading meat when the supply of domestic livestock increased. Meat was salted, smoked and packed into wooden barrels for shipment to the West Indies. Colonists traded the meat for molasses. At the height of the Industrial Revolution, eastern cities grew, as did the demand for meat. Large cattle ranchers were established west of the Mississippi River in order to serve this developing market. In the late 1800's, railroads expanded and meat could now be traded more efficiently. In 1875, the first refrigerated rail car was designed, which revolutionized the industry. Fresh meat was now shipped all over the country.

Over the years, meat processing has become a highly sophisticated industry. As quoted from a 1993 article, "By using modern computer-age business practices and applying scientific knowledge to meat manufacturing, the meat industry provides this country (U.S) with the safest, highest quality meat products in the world. This statement was made shortly before cases of E.Coli and salmonella poisoning broke in the U.S. and were directly linked to unsanitary meat products.
Relative to the rest of the world, the U.S. does have its act together. However, if we take a closer look at the conditions in the industry, we catch a disturbing glimpse of the horrors behind the scenes. The controversy circling the meat industry presents a two-sided argument, which illustrates extreme differences of values and morals. One side focuses on the fact that the consumers' health is in jeopardy and inhumane treatment of the bred animals is rampant. The other acknowledges the profitability of the industry and the efforts toward ensuring its safety.

bibliography

to submit questions or comments e-mail me Marianne