Feds: Dairy cows had unlawful drug residues

SEATTLE (AP) - Federal authorities said a northwest Washington dairy sold cows for slaughter despite drug residues not approved for human consumption.

The 850-cow Rhody Dairy LLC of Sumas was charged civilly in U.S. District Court in Seattle this week with violations of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

The Justice Department said that despite repeated warnings, the dairy administered antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines to its cattle in unapproved dosages or without prescriptions, or that it failed to observe proper drug withdrawal times before offering the cows for slaughter. They also said the dairy refused to keep treatment records for the animals.

Federal officials inspected the dairy in March and July after three cows tested positive. They said Rhody Dairy sells cows for slaughter and sale to consumers in states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon.

Dairy owner Jay De Jong did not immediately return a message seeking comment Saturday.