USDA refuses to tell which stores received meat from infected cow

[baby_bear]

In an article in this morning's Seattle P-I
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/154552_madcow30.html
USDA spokeswoman Julie Quick disingenuously gave the reason why the names of the stores are not being divulged.

<snip>
(Federal officials) have not released the names of the stores where the beef ended up. Asked why, USDA spokeswoman Quick said they have relied on stores that bought the products to contact customers because "that was the fastest and most efficient way."
</snip>

Right. I know which store I bought the hamburger in my freezer from, but how does the store know I bought it there? Wouldn't it be "faster and more efficient" if the USDA announced the name of the stores and let me decide whether I might have bought some beef there recently?

Why don't they just tell the truth and say that they are continuing to protect industry, not consumers. At least I would give them credit for being honest, if still sleazy.

I think this warrants letters to my senators and representative.

s_m