Been a sausage maker 40yrs.
I can tell you that 100% the USDA are CORRUPT!
They are the "gate keepers" of the meat processing industry.
"They" will close your doors if you dont "play ball"
And will eliminate ALL small start ups, with overbearing and needless regulations and a corrupt inspector.
Its been happening for years.
Thats how the "big guys" consolidated power.
As the small companies disappeared, (they) started to use much more of the chemical preservatives, binders, extenders, phosphates, vegetable proteins, and things which are not food, so they could ship all over the country and world without spoilage.
Read a label of your favorite hot dog and you will probably find out your not eating what you think your eating.
2% beef or pork. The rest is mechanically deboned (yeah right) chicken. MOSTLY bones and stuff. Not meat.
BUUUUUT its clean poison! LOL