MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Undercover video forces massive recall of beef in California

The United States Department of Agriculture on Sunday ordered the recall of approximately 64.000 tons of beef from a Southern California slaughterhouse that is the subject of an animal-abuse investigation.

The recall affects beef products dating to February first 2006 from Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., the federal agency said. The company provided meat to various programs funded by the US government. 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. Agriculture officials said the massive recall surpasses a 1999 ban of approximately 16.000 tons of ready-to-eat meats. No illnesses have been linked to the newly recalled meat, and officials said the health threat was likely small. "I am dismayed at the in-humane handling of cattle that has resulted in the violation of food safety regulations at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. It is extremely unlikely that these animals were at risk for BSE (mad cow) because of the multiple safeguards; however, this action is necessary because plant procedures violated USDA regulations", added Secretary Schafer. USDA officials estimate that most of the recalled beef went to school programs, but they believe most of the meat probably has already been eaten. "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 officials suspended operations at Westland/Hallmark after an undercover video from the Humane Society of the United States surfaced showing crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts.