Meat processor charged with adding cow heart to ground beef

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a lawsuit against a St. Louis-area meat processor for using improper additives and animal products.

Brothers Michael and Thomas Kolish run John’s Butcher Shoppee in Festus and Overland Park. The lawsuit alleges that the brothers used cow heart and soy in ground beef and sausage products.

There are no adverse health effects of consuming cow heart. However, it is a considered a cheaper additive than muscle meat.

State and federal laws prohibit products labeled "ground beef" from containing heart muscle.

The addition of soy can present health hazards for those with soy allergies.

Posted in: Chris Koster,Festus MO,John's Butcher Shoppee