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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Mar 10, 1909
Page
5
Pittsfield and several city boards of health vow to enforce the state law against selling beef from infected cattle. Doctors and inspectors debate whether infection is general, with officials warning penalties for violation and officials urging clear marking if such meat ever becomes legal.
Fall River Board of Health advocate S B Morris states no sale of meat from tuberculous animals is allowed unless stamped by federal or local inspection. Dr. Thomas F Maloney adds meat milk or food products from tuberculous animals should not be used for food.
Taunton health authorities unite in opposing selling meat from tuberculous cattle. Dr William Y Fox and Dr Thomas J Robinson condemn sales of tuberculous beef and infected meat, citing public health risks and improper cooking. Dr Edward J Galligan warns against any sale of infected meat, while Dr A G Walker notes local TB cattle may not be dangerous to eat but general TB meat is unfit.
Brockton officials endorse stopping sale of meat from tuberculosis infected cattle. Charles M. Hickey, Abbott W. Packard, and Dr. Fred J. Ripley back the Post in fighting the spread, noting cows with disease are sent to slaughter and sold for consumption.
Melrose Health Board chair Dr. C. P. Holden says the board would prosecute and halt the sale of beef from cattle shown to be infected, reflecting official views on handling meat safety and public health.
Mayor Ed ward II Moulton and the Haverhill Health Board oppose selling beef from slightly infected cattle in the city. Health Inspector H W Watson reports to Dr Peters, noting past cases of infected meat reaching slaughterhouses and urging immediate action if tuberculosis beef is found. Chester H Bryant says the law on this matter is clear and inspectors should be alerted at once.
Dr. Austin Peters and state animal inspectors cite Section 7 of the 1902 Revised Laws to justify board regulations on meat inspection aligned with U S Bureau of Animal Industry rules. They argue the 1908 law banning sales from infected cattle is not cited by Peters while Dr. Burr leads inspections under Peters regulations despite a dissolved board. The controversy centers on whether localized infection allows portions of beef to be sold after trimming.
Dr. Austin Peters refuses to provide a copy of Governor Draper’s letter asking boards of health in Massachusetts how infected beef laws are enforced. He directs inquiries to the Governor’s office. Governor Draper, Dr. Peters, and the State Board of Health, including Dr. Henry Walcott, face questions about recent cattle slaughter and tuberculosis cases. The State Board plans a Thursday meeting to discuss the issue after inspecting Somerville slaughterhouses.
A Boston Post survey finds doctors split on tainted meat. Physicians from Hanover to Tremont urge labeling or banning such beef, noting dangers to vulnerable populations and calls for stricter meat inspection and enforcement.
Dr. Samuel Durgin of the Boston Board of Health reports 706 cattle found tuberculous at the Brighton abattoir last year, with 269 condemned and 437 slightly infected sold as meat. Mayor Hibbard seeks state help while inspectors assess current safeguards and potential hiring.
Dr Henry P Walcott chair of the State Board of Health explains enforcement lies with local boards rather than state level. He notes the Boston and Somerville boards handle their cities while the cattle bureau reports to the Board of Agriculture. He says the chief Dr Peters is experienced and can be trusted. He cannot answer tonight on slightly infected meat statutes.
The Boston Post exposes the sale of beef slightly infected with tuberculosis in this State and urges mandatory laws. It argues public awareness, physician warnings, and private slaughterhouses enable tainted beef to reach consumers without inspection.
Cities and towns keep competent cattle inspectors who know their business and refuse to accept the bureau chief’s interpretation of the laws. They stand firm against centralized pressure from the head of the cattle bureau.
Dr. Charles H. Reed, Westboro animal inspector, says Brighton receives about 600 cattle weekly with many deemed bologna cows. Worcester County ships two carloads weekly, much unfit for food, amid pure food law debates. He notes bolognas sold without Armour labels and questions about handling diseased meat for poorer city neighborhoods.
North Adams Herald editorial cites Boston Post critique of Drapers handling of beef tainted with tuberculosis. It notes 525 cattle condemned as slightly infected were slaughtered and sold for 700000 pounds of beef, equating to about 2115000 meals, urging urgent action by state leaders to protect the public.
Massachusetts enforcement of meat inspection laws is now shown to be as strict as Maine Vermont New Hampshire Rhode Island and Ohio with Chapter 2829 approving slaughter and carcass inspection. The piece argues the law exists but requires active enforcement to have effect and notes conditions have long existed.
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