The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recalled 143 million pounds (65 million kg) of beef produced by Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., California on Sunday (Feb 17), marking the nation's largest meat recall in history.
From Xinhua:
The recall was ordered because the plant violated (USDA) rules barring the slaughter of "downer" cattle in almost all cases as a precaution against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad-cow disease. Downer refers to cattle unable to walk.
The recall affects beef products dating back to Feb. 1, 2006 that came from the company, because the cattle didn't receive complete and proper inspection.
From ABC:
Westland/Hallmark provides meat to the National School Lunch Program and about 150 school districts have stopped using its products. Now officials are scrambling to prevent the questionable beef from reaching school lunch counters. They estimate about 37 million pounds of the beef has gone to schools.
Westland/Hallmark also provided products to two fast food companies. Both Jack-in-the-Box and In-N-Out said they would not use beef from Westland/Hallmark.
It was not sure how much of the recalled meat had been consumed. And so far, no illnesses have been linked to the recalled beef. But there was a very remote chance of anyone becoming ill from consuming these products.