Wisconsin Truck Spill Reveals Skittles Being Used To Feed Cows

Yes, it's as crazy as it sounds. And no, we're not joking.

According to CNN, a recent investigation into a truck that spilled red, unmarked Skittles across a highway in Wisconsin revealed that the candies were headed to a cow farm. While this story has taken the internet by storm, and many of us by surprise, the most bizarre revelation is that this has actually been happening for years. In fact, it's been quite common since 2012 when the price of corn began to surge, and meat and dairy farmers turned towards defected candy as a form of "cheap carbs."

Yet, Skittles don't seem so shocking when we learn that these poor animals are also forced to eat their own species (yes, cannibalism) and fecal matter.

AKEY, "a leader in nutrition solutions since 1963" for the meat and dairy industry, states that "Poultry litter is commonly fed to all classes of beef cattle. Litter is a low energy feed, similar to the average hay in energy value..." Wait a second, poultry litter? Let's address that fluffy name for a moment (because that's precisely why it has one). Poultry litter, is the industry's term for the filth that is scooped up off the floors of chicken cages and broiler houses. It's mainly a combination of feces, feathers, and uneaten chicken feed, and according to the Consumers Union, a typical sample may also come with a side of antibiotics, heavy metals, disease-causing bacteria, and even bits of dead rodents.

That's absolutely disgusting and cruel.

It's no secret that industrial animal operations will stop at nothing to ensure they turn a buck. That's exactly why farmed animals are completely excluded from our Animal Welfare Act, so that they can continue to be fed shit, mutilated without painkillers, confined into tiny spaces where they can't even turn around, and worse — all without consequence. It is up to us to look into where our food comes from, and to decide whether it morally sits right with us.

If you'd like to join the millions of people who are learning about foods that are kinder to animals, their health, and the planet, download our free veg guide today.