HSUS Alleges Pork Producers Stole $60 Million

The Humane Society of the United States filed a lawsuit September 24 alleging that the National Pork Producers Council, who owned the slogan “Pork, The Other White Meat,” sold it to the National Pork Board for $60 million in 2006 (at the time it was valued at $375,000). The suit alleges that the money the NPB used to purchase it (following its run from 1986 to 2001), was collected by the USDA using “check-off” money—funds comprised of fees from farmers—and illegally given to industry groups and used towards the promotion of products such as beef, soybeans, milk, and pork (products produced by the same farmers). The HSUS, who is taking issue with the money being used “for purposes of influencing legislation and government policy,” also served notice in July of its intent to sue 51 pig confinement facilities for toxic air pollution.