GIPSA Alleges Donald W. Hallmark and Donald R. Hallmark, dba Hallmark Meat Packing Company Violated the Packers and Stockyards Act
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has found evidence that Donald W. Hallmark and Donald R. Hallmark, doing business as Hallmark Meat Packing Company, Chino, California:
- failed to pay sellers for the sale of their livestock within the time period required by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act;
- reported inaccurate hot carcass weights to livestock sellers and paid livestock sellers on those inaccurate hot carcass weights;
- failed to properly issue scale tickets to livestock sellers;
- failed to maintain a printed record of accurate hot carcass weights; and
- failed to pay the full purchase price to livestock sellers for properly weighed, recorded, and reported hot carcasses.
On April 15, 2008, GIPSA filed a complaint against Donald W. and Donald R. Hallmark. If the allegations are admitted, or proven in an oral hearing, Donald W. and Donald R. Hallmark may be ordered to cease and desist from violating the P&S Act and assessed a civil penalty.
Donald W. and Donald R. Hallmark are packers engaged in the business of buying livestock in commerce for slaughter and manufacturing or preparing meat and meat food products for sale or shipment in commerce.
The P&S Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201
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