16 June 2008
Steve Mendell, president of the Westland/Hallmark slaughterhouse, acknowledged his company introduced sick cows into the hamburger supply.
Of the 143 million pounds of beef that were recalled by Westland/Hallmark, about 50 million pounds went to school lunch programs as well as federal programs for the poor or elderly. The recall covered all the meat produced for two years, most of which had already been eaten.
The biggest threat from “downer” cattle, (such as the sick cows and abused documented at Westland/Hallmark) is mad cow disease. The chairman of the full committee, Representative John D. Dingell, of Michigan, said the incubation period for the human form could be 20 years.
* SOURCE:
"Meat Packer Admits Slaughter of Sick Cows" - The New York Times - March 13, 2008, by Matthew L. Wald* LEARN MORE:
Back Story With Matthew L. Wald - MP3
Undercover video at Westland/Hallmark - Video
Meat and Dairy Industry - Related Articles
Largest beef recall in U.S. history: USDA recalls 143 million pounds - Article
* ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The USDA recalled 143 million pounds of beef on Feb. 17, 2008, marking the largest meat recall in U.S. history to date. - From FACTS of Interest
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