U.S. Food Plants, Stockyards Step Up Security
Food processors, grain elevators and stockyards are tightening security to protect the U.S. food supply from possible sabotage as Washington prepares to take military action against Iraq, the Bush administration said on Tuesday. The extra security measures were announced one day after President Bush gave Iraqi President Saddam Hussein an ultimatum to give up power within 48 hours or face war. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said the new “Operation Liberty Shield” also included additional security at U.S. ports, nuclear power plants and at border crossings. “There will be greater inspection of imported food,” Ridge told reporters. “The Department of Agriculture has alerted employees and representatives throughout the food and agricultural community to take extra precautions to monitor feed lots, stockyards, processing plants, import and storage areas.” Full Story