19 – February – 2014 – New Day

February 19th, 2014

03:55 PM ET

US Struggles with Clown Shortage

It has come to our attention that there is a national clown shortage. This is a real thing.

Membership in the World Clown Association has dropped form about 3500 to 2500 since 2004. One clown official told the New York Daily News "the challenge is getting younger people involved in clowning."

The problem they say is:

"Clowning isn't cool anymore."

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Posted by @THIS HOUR Staff
Filed under: @THIS HOUR • Videos

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February 19th, 2014

01:10 PM ET

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USDA Closes School Lunch Supplier; Some Hot Pockets Recalled

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn its inspectors and suspended operations at a California meat company because of "insanitary conditions at the establishment," the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Wednesday.

The Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, supplies beef for federal school nutrition programs. In 2011, it provided nearly 21 million pounds of beef, or nearly 16% of the supply.

"The plant's suspension will be lifted once we receive adequate assurances of corrective action," a USDA statement said.

Meanwhile, Nestlé USA has issued a recall of two varieties of Philly Steak and Cheese Hot Pockets because they may contain meat the department has already recalled.

The two brands are Hot Pockets brand Philly Steak and Cheese in three different pack sizes, and Hot Pockets brand Croissant Crust Philly Steak and Cheese in the two-pack box.

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