Central Valley Slaughterhouse Repoens After Cruelty, Food Safety Allegations

HANFORD, Kings County (CBS/AP) -- A Central Valley slaughterhouse shut down because of cruelty and food safety allegations can reopen, according to federal regulators.

Central Valley Meat Co. said the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the Hanford plant's action plan and gave the OK to reopen on Monday.

A telephone voice recording tells employees to report for work at 9 a.m.

The Fresno Bee reports the plant employs about 450 people.

A week ago, the USDA suspended Central Valley Meat operations after an undercover video released by an animal welfare group showed cows that appeared to be sick or lame being beaten, kicked, shot and shocked in an attempt to get them to walk to slaughter.

Three Central California congressmen asked the federal government on Thursday to reopen the slaughterhouse. They cited the region's high unemployment.