Largest beef recall in U.S. history - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yorkiesmiles · 02-17-2008, 05:03 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330985,00.html

USDA Recalls 143 Million Pounds of Beef From California Slaughterhouse

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sunday recalled 143 million pounds of frozen beef from a Southern California slaughterhouse that is being investigated for mistreating cattle.

Click here for the USDA recall release. (PDF) http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Recall_...08_Release.pdf

Officials said it was the largest beef recall in the United States, surpassing a 1999 ban of 35 million pounds of ready-to-eat meats.

• Click here for video. ( I couldn't get this to pop up - go to the link above)

The federal agency said the recall will affect beef products dating to Feb. 1, 2006, that came from Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., which supplies meat to the federal school lunch program and to some major fast-food chains.

Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said his department has evidence that Westland did not routinely contact its veterinarian when cattle became non-ambulatory after passing inspection, violating health regulations.

"Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall," Schafer said in a statement.

Federal officials suspended operations at Westland/Hallmark after an undercover video surfaced showing crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts.

Two former employees were charged Friday with animal cruelty. No charges have been filed against Westland, but an investigation by federal authorities continues.

Officials estimate that about 37 million pounds of the recalled beef went to school programs, but they believe most of the meat probably has already been eaten. There have been no reported illnesses linked to the beef at any of the schools.

"We don't know how much product is out there right now. We don't think there is a health hazard, but we do have to take this action," said Dr. Dick Raymond, USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety.

Federal regulations call for keeping downed cattle out of the food supply because they may pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease because they typically wallow in feces and their immune systems are often weak.

About 150 school districts around the nation have stopped using ground beef from Hallmark Meat Packing Co., which is associated with Westland.

pepe mint · 02-17-2008, 05:04 PM

thanks for the info!!!

MyFairLacy · 02-17-2008, 05:07 PM

"Not fit for human consumption"....probably end up in commercial pet food

MissPinkBarbie · 02-17-2008, 07:04 PM

Thanks for sharing. We have to def be real careful with what we eat and feed our babies.

Ellie May · 02-18-2008, 10:05 AM

Bump...

And did you notice they shut down on Feb. 4 and it is just now being recalled?

luv4yrks · 02-18-2008, 10:15 AM

I saw it on the news this morning and it made me sick to my stomach. kinda makes you want to stop eating beef

Dior'sMom · 02-18-2008, 10:20 AM

Horrible

I am so happy I stopped eating beef in September. Proud veggie 1 month now

hartygirl · 02-18-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dior'sMom

Horrible

I am so happy I stopped eating beef in September. Proud veggie 1 month now

Yay! Good job!

Just continue to be careful, remember that horrible spinich recall!!!

s13silviagirl · 02-18-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

"Not fit for human consumption"....probably end up in commercial pet food

Or being fed to US Navy members on board ships.

We always saw packages that said "not for human consumption" on them, and the next week, that was what was for dinner. So glad I always had ramen noodles with me.

02-17-2008, 05:03 PM	#1
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	Largest beef recall in U.S. history http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330985,00.html USDA Recalls 143 Million Pounds of Beef From California Slaughterhouse LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sunday recalled 143 million pounds of frozen beef from a Southern California slaughterhouse that is being investigated for mistreating cattle. Click here for the USDA recall release. (PDF) http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Recall_...08_Release.pdf Officials said it was the largest beef recall in the United States, surpassing a 1999 ban of 35 million pounds of ready-to-eat meats. • Click here for video. ( I couldn't get this to pop up - go to the link above) The federal agency said the recall will affect beef products dating to Feb. 1, 2006, that came from Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., which supplies meat to the federal school lunch program and to some major fast-food chains. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said his department has evidence that Westland did not routinely contact its veterinarian when cattle became non-ambulatory after passing inspection, violating health regulations. "Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall," Schafer said in a statement. Federal officials suspended operations at Westland/Hallmark after an undercover video surfaced showing crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts. Two former employees were charged Friday with animal cruelty. No charges have been filed against Westland, but an investigation by federal authorities continues. Officials estimate that about 37 million pounds of the recalled beef went to school programs, but they believe most of the meat probably has already been eaten. There have been no reported illnesses linked to the beef at any of the schools. "We don't know how much product is out there right now. We don't think there is a health hazard, but we do have to take this action," said Dr. Dick Raymond, USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety. Federal regulations call for keeping downed cattle out of the food supply because they may pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease because they typically wallow in feces and their immune systems are often weak. About 150 school districts around the nation have stopped using ground beef from Hallmark Meat Packing Co., which is associated with Westland. __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

02-17-2008, 05:04 PM	#2
pepe mint YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Franklin, TN Posts: 11,145	thanks for the info!!! __________________ Anyone who does not know what soap tastes like has never washed a dog

02-17-2008, 05:07 PM	#3
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	"Not fit for human consumption"....probably end up in commercial pet food __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

02-17-2008, 07:04 PM	#4
MissPinkBarbie ~Glamorous Daisy~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NJ // NYC Posts: 4,010	Thanks for sharing. We have to def be real careful with what we eat and feed our babies. __________________ *MissPinkBarbie* *The PiNK Club Founder*

02-18-2008, 10:05 AM	#5
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Bump... And did you notice they shut down on Feb. 4 and it is just now being recalled? __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

02-18-2008, 10:15 AM	#6
luv4yrks Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 37	I saw it on the news this morning and it made me sick to my stomach. kinda makes you want to stop eating beef __________________ Jobey & Me

02-18-2008, 10:20 AM	#7
Dior'sMom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,900	Horrible I am so happy I stopped eating beef in September. Proud veggie 1 month now __________________ Proud Mom 2 Dior