How did they ever get USDA inspected and approved cats? Or were they something that looks superficially similar as a carcass, like rabbits?
As part of the investigation, it was found that they were imported. They had to go through the customs/USDA inspections, as any other imported food-stuff would.
The restaurant owners had all of the documentation, and a call to the USDA with the appropriate way-bill and file numbers confirmed it.
I'd like to know how the USDA comes up with a grade for cat. What is the difference between 'prime', 'choice', etc. there must be a written standard for it somewhere...