USDA Recalls 143M Lbs of Beef

SoCal slaughterhouse involved under investigation for animal cruelty
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 17, 2008 3:27 PM CST
USDA Recalls 143M Lbs of Beef
A worker walks on top of cattle carcass scraps dropped into a truck at the Hallmark Meat Packing slaughterhouse in Chino, Calif. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008. Video footage showed workers repeatedly kicking cows and ramming them with the blades of a forklift as the animals squealed in pain. The facility...   (Associated Press)

The USDA today issued its biggest recall ever, recalling 143 million pounds of frozen beef from a slaughterhouse in Southern California that is currently being investigated for animal cruelty. The recall affects meat dating to Feb. 1 that originated in Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. The company distributes beef to major fast-food chains, as well as the federal school lunch program.

"Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food," said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, who added that Westland/Hallmark often did not notify vets when cows that had passed inspection became crippled, a violation. Two former employees were charged Friday with animal cruelty. (More USDA stories.)

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