Beef Recall Largest in United States

Officials suspended Westland and Hallmark Meat Co. operations after a video surfaced that showed workers mistreating the cattle. The crippled and sick animals were kicked and shoved with forklifts in a bid to get them to walk into the slaughter room.

No charges have been filed against Westland but the investigation is ongoing. Two former employees were charged with animal cruelty.

The recall affects beef products produced since February 2006. Much of the meat was sent to fast-food chains and to 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 and the company is conducting a recall,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer.

According to federal regulations, sick cattle must be kept out of the food supply as they pose a higher risk of carrying E. coli, salmonella and mad cow disease. USDA Officials say much of the recalled meat has probably already been consumed. No sickness has been reported.

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