Bad Karma Beef: Biggest US recall exposes extreme cruelty - video

By M&C Bizarre Feb 18, 2008, 17:59 GMT

South Korean Coexistence of Animal Rights members squat in a cage to protest against a local habit of eating dog meat, 30km south of Seoul in Seongnam, South Korea, 08 July 2007. The cuisine (soup of dog\'s meat) is popular among Koreans especially in the summer season. EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN

Controversial abattoir in southern California, the Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., was exposed as a haven for cruel employees who taunted, tortured and hurt already sick, stressed-out animals on their way to slaughter.

The undercover video showing crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts has led to the largest beef recall in the United States and a desperate bid to find out if any of the meat is still heading for school children's lunches.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sunday ordered the recall of 143 million pounds of beef from a Southern California slaughterhouse that is the subject of an animal-abuse investigation.

The recall will affect beef products dating to Feb. 1, 2006, that came from Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., the federal agency said. The company provided meat to various federal programs.

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.

"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.

An undercover video from the Humane Society of the United States surfaced first on local Los Angeles television showing crippled and sick animals being hurt, shoved and prodded.

According to the Associated Press, two former employees were charged Friday. Five felony counts of animal cruelty and three misdemeanors were filed against a pen manager. Three misdemeanor counts - illegal movement of a non-ambulatory animal - were filed against an employee who worked under that manager. Both were fired.

About 150 school districts around the nation have stopped using ground beef from Hallmark Meat Packing Co., which is associated with Westland. Two fast-food chains, Jack-In-the-Box and In-N-Out, said they would stop using beef from Westland/Hallmark.

Upon learning about the recall, some legislators criticized the USDA, saying the federal agency should conduct more thorough inspections to ensure tainted beef doesn't get to the public.

Advocacy groups noted to news agencies that the problems at Westland wouldn't have been revealed had the Humane Society not taken the initiative to expose the crimes.