February 18, 2008

 

USDA issues recalls for 143 million pounds of frozen beef after abuse incident

 

 

The USDA on Sunday issued the largest beef recall in history - for 143 million pounds of frozen beef from a California slaughterhouse after it became the subject of animal-abuse investigation.

 

The meat was recalled on grounds that Westland did not routinely contact its veterinarian when cattle became non-ambulatory after passing inspection, violating health regulations.

 

No illnesses have been linked to the newly recalled meat, and officials said the health threat was likely small. The recall will affect beef products dating to Feb. 1, 2006, that came from Chino, California-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., USDA said.

 

Operations at Westland/Hallmark were suspended after an undercover Humane Society video surfaced showing crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts. Two former employees were charged last week.

 

Authorities said the video showed workers kicking, shocking and abusing animals that were apparently too sick or injured to walk.

 

Officials estimate that about 37 million pounds of the recalled beef went to school programmes, but they believe most of the meat probably has already been eaten.

 

Federal regulations require downer cattle to be kept out of the food supply as they may pose a higher risk of disease from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease.