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Chino's Westland/Hallmark Meat Company came into the spotlight recently when secret video footage revealed staff was mistreating the animals. On the heels of this week's news that the slaughterhouse's manager could face several years in prison if charged with animal cruelty comes the news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has recalled 143 million pounds of their frozen beef, making it "the largest beef recall in the United States," according to the Daily News.
The department says they have evidence that the company violated health regulations because they "did not routinely contact its veterinarian when cattle became non-ambulatory after passing inspection." Because of these violations the meat, much of which is routinely supplied to school lunch programs here and elsewhere in the nation, has been deemed "unfit for human food." It is estimated that much of the 37 million pounds of meat that went to schools has already been consumed, and no illnesses have been reported.
The slaughterhouse remains closed while federal officials investigate the initial claims of animal cruelty, such as "crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts."
The LAUSD removed all their stock of meat from the company last month.
Photo of the well-known Economy Meats sign at Grand Central Market by ~db~ via the LAist Featured Photos Pool on Flickr
