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			 Art’s Tamale of Metamora was ordered to close 
			Wednesday, May 21, following a two-and-a-half hour hearing at the 
			Illinois Department of Agriculture building in Springfield. 
 The administrative law judge presiding in the case issued the 
			revocation order after listening to testimony that department meat 
			and poultry inspectors found rodent droppings in the plant on 
			numerous occasions the past 12 months and management had failed to 
			take corrective action.
 
 The department’s complaint accused Art’s Tamale of preparing, 
			packing or holding product under unsanitary conditions where it may 
			become contaminated with filth and of failing to have in place a 
			pest control management program to prevent the harborage and 
			breeding of pests.
 
 Art’s Tamales will have 30 days to appeal the judge’s ruling once 
			his written order is received.
 
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 The Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection is responsible for 
				administration of the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Act, 
				which regulates the wholesomeness, labeling and advertising of 
				meat and poultry products. Inspections cover all aspects of 
				intrastate slaughter and processing, from ante mortem inspection 
				to the distribution of products to retailers. Currently, the 
				bureau inspects 243 establishments statewide. 
			[Text received; JEFF SQUIBB, ILLINOIS 
			DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE] |