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USDA recalls 143 million pounds of frozen beef

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P

Particle Physicist

between a quark and a baryon
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- 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.

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.

The federal agency said the recall will affect beef products dating to February 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. Watch video of cattle being mistreated »

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.
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:O
 
O

okno

Member
Hahaha, take that beef eaters! Actually, I'm pretty sure none of us have to really worry about this as this slaughterhouse provides beef for SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS, as stated in the article, and SOME major grocery stores, not all. I think most people will be in the clear, but this should open up people's eyes to the fact that the meat you buy in the store is not good meat.
 
F

Freest Rolexes

Member
After reading Omnivore's Dilemma I'm more surprised that this doesn't happen more often in this country, what with thousands of cows pushed together into confined spaces full of their own feces. The "preventative" antibiotics can't always work.
 
davepoobond

davepoobond

you can't put a price on sparks
there's nothing "wrong" with the steak as far as the article says -- its just that the animals were mistreated so they're not technically "USDA-inspected"

it says it in there there's no reason to think its a health hazard. this is just punitive action against the company
 
Y

YYZ

Junior Member
davepoobond said:
there's nothing "wrong" with the steak as far as the article says -- its just that the animals were mistreated so they're not technically "FDA-inspected"
Click to expand...
mistreating animals you say?
 
way more

way more

Member
This is pretty sweet. I never imagined a major beef recall during the Bush administration. It seems to be that the animal abuse findings led investigators to look into their health and safety practices. That is great. Cattle will be treated more humanely and I well get safer meat.
 
way more

way more

Member
grandjedi6 said:
How can you recall something that has been eaten 2 years ago?
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I means we are all gonna get settlements in a massive class action lawsuit. 14 cents for every meat eater in America!
 
R

Rapping Granny

Banned
logo_phpBB.gif


Am I the only one that sees the wrong with this pic.
it's a banner for some forum.
 
S

SIP YEK NOD

Banned
Dr.Guru of Peru said:
Well, I suppose if you enjoy the taste of potentially diseased meat...
Click to expand...
"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.
Click to expand...
...
 
S

scitek

Member
NomarTyme said:
Damn I just ate a burger.
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No wonder I feel like I do. I ate a Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito on Saturday night, and ever since, I've been feeling so weak I can't even stand up. I haven't eaten anything since because I've been too busy on the toilet to have an appetite. I seriously haven't felt so conquered by an illness before. I'm hoping this is just a 24 hour bug.

:(
 
M

Malleymal

You now belong to FMT.
i have been feeling a little MEH lately as well and thought it might be meat... i am gonna have to hold off for a little
 
S

scorcho

testicles on a cold fall morning
NOOOO.

was going to take my girlfriend to Market Table tomorrow afternoon to sample their highly coveted burger. this is what i get for browsing gaf instead of reading. :(
 
P

Particle Physicist

between a quark and a baryon
MickeyKnox said:
WaitWaitWaitWaitWaitWait....

This isn't about contaminated meat but rather meat that came from a mistreated cow?
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mistreated and un-inspected cows. personally. i wouldnt trust meat that wasnt inspected.
 
F

Forgotten Ancient

Banned
Most meat recalls are basically after the fact. So they recall the meat that you already shit out months ago.

The meatpacking and inspecting industry fucking blows. Oh well, I'll enjoy my steak and burgers per usual.
 
H

Hitokage

Setec Astronomer
My local paper ran a multi-day story on chicken plant conditions, particularly those of the workers, that apparently got some traction nation-wide.
 
B

bean breath

Member
This is divine intervention, God is smiting me for eating meat on friday, because of my sins now no one can enjoy meat any day. Sorry guys.
 
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