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Westland/Hallmark Beef Recall
In the largest beef recall in US history, 143 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled by the Westland/Hallmark Meat Company.
The recall is considered a Class II, with lower risk of illness than the Class I Topps recall last year.
The recall was instigated after allegations of mistreatment of animals by workers at the Westland/Hallmark plant, and the lack of due diligence when an animal destined for the human food chain is deemed to be ill, or suspected of illness.
There have been no known health effects or reports of illness from eating the recalled meat, most of which has already been consumed. However, much of the meat was consumed in school lunch programs, raising the health concerns for these children.
The US Department of Agriculture has come under fire for 21 recalls in 2007 related to the deadly e. coli pathogen, up dramatically from the 8 recalls in 2006 and the 5 in 2005. Lax safety protocols and mixing different lots of meat make it harder to track e. coli.
A disturbing video shows plant workers kicking animals and using forklifts to force them to walk. A cow that has trouble standing or cannot walk could be a candidate for Mad Cow disease or other diseases that would make it unfit for human consumption.
Animals unable to walk are supposed to be inspected by a USDA veteranarian to determine it's suitability for slaughter, but USDA officials claim that the Westland/Hallmark employees failed to notify the proper authorities when animals were unable to walk.
The plant has now been deemed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service to be producing food unfit for human consumption. Two employees have been fired for cruelty to animals.
The recall - more precautionary than urgent - is unlikely to cause illness, however many pounds of the meat are still in freezers, and the outcome is still unknown.
The recall includes all meat the plant has produced since February 1, 2006 - a atwo year supply.
In a recall of staggering proportions, the US Department of Agriculture announced Sunday that 143 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled, easily representing the largest meat recall in US history.
Published on Feb-18-08
The recall is considered a Class II, with lower risk of illness than the Class I Topps recall last year.
The recall was instigated after allegations of mistreatment of animals by workers at the Westland/Hallmark plant, and the lack of due diligence when an animal destined for the human food chain is deemed to be ill, or suspected of illness.
There have been no known health effects or reports of illness from eating the recalled meat, most of which has already been consumed. However, much of the meat was consumed in school lunch programs, raising the health concerns for these children.
The US Department of Agriculture has come under fire for 21 recalls in 2007 related to the deadly e. coli pathogen, up dramatically from the 8 recalls in 2006 and the 5 in 2005. Lax safety protocols and mixing different lots of meat make it harder to track e. coli.
A disturbing video shows plant workers kicking animals and using forklifts to force them to walk. A cow that has trouble standing or cannot walk could be a candidate for Mad Cow disease or other diseases that would make it unfit for human consumption.
Animals unable to walk are supposed to be inspected by a USDA veteranarian to determine it's suitability for slaughter, but USDA officials claim that the Westland/Hallmark employees failed to notify the proper authorities when animals were unable to walk.
The plant has now been deemed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service to be producing food unfit for human consumption. Two employees have been fired for cruelty to animals.
The recall - more precautionary than urgent - is unlikely to cause illness, however many pounds of the meat are still in freezers, and the outcome is still unknown.
The recall includes all meat the plant has produced since February 1, 2006 - a atwo year supply.
Westland/Hallmark Beef Recall Articles
It's Happened Again: Largest Beef Recall in US HistoryIn a recall of staggering proportions, the US Department of Agriculture announced Sunday that 143 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled, easily representing the largest meat recall in US history.
Westland/Hallmark Beef Recall in the News
Westland/Hallmark Beef Recall Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered due to Westland/Hallmark beef, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer to evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.Published on Feb-18-08
LEGAL ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
It's Happened Again: Largest Beef Recall in US History
February 18, 2008
In a recall of staggering proportions, the US Department of Agriculture announced Sunday that 143 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled, easily representing the largest meat recall in US history. READ MORE
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