According to officials with the US Agriculture Department, this is the biggest beef recall since 1999. Back in 1999, 35 million pounds of meat which was ready to eat was recalled. It is estimated that enough to supply several fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s and Burger King.
What will be recalled are products that date back to February 1, 2006. Westland/Hallmark Meat Co has been already under investigation. Such customers of the company include the National School Lunch Program and several nationwide fast-food restaurants.
Ed Schafer, the US Secretary of Agriculture said that they already had evidence that the company did not keep up in routine contact with the veterinarian.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Company operations were halted when an undercover video revealed that animals that were crippled and sick were being forced with forklifts. Other acts of cruelty included kicking and electrical shocking. Two have already been charged with animal cruelty. However, the investigation into the abuse of cattle is far from over.
A good amount of the beef had gone into school programs. Luckily, there have been no reported illnesses by those that have consumed the beef.
This recall should affect schools, restaurants, and grocery stores. Cattle that have been abused have a higher chance of getting infected with such diseases that can be dangerous for humans to consume.
On a side note, such cruelty would not be tolerated in India. In India, the cow is deemed a sacred symbol.
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