<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7249911.stm>

US orders massive recall of beef

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered the recall of 143m lb
(64.9m kg) of beef - the largest meat recall in the country's history.

The recalled products come from a California meat plant, which officials
say broke rules on cattle inspections.

However the department says the health hazard is minimal. Much of the meat
was purchased for school lunch and other federal nutrition programmes.

The plant is also being investigated over alleged animal cruelty.

Caution

The USDA recalled beef products from the Westland/Hallmark Meat Co, dating
back to 1 February 2006.

The move surpasses a 1999 recall of 35m lbs of ready-to-eat meats,
officials said.

Some of the beef was destined for federal welfare assistance programmes,
as well as some major fast-food chains.

But officials said most of the recalled meat has probably already been
eaten.

The USDA described the recall as Class 2 - meaning there is a remote
probability that the product could harm health if consumed.

"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," Dick
Raymond, USDA undersecretary for food safety, told AP news agency.

Downer

The recall was ordered after department officials said the plant did not
consistently order inspections of cattle which became non-ambulatory prior
to slaughter.

Such "downer" cattle are at greater risk of contamination by E. coli,
salmonella or contracting mad cow disease, as they have weaker immune
systems and greater contact with faeces than walking cattle.

They should either be removed from the food supply, or receive a more
thorough inspection following slaughter, officials say.

Operations at the plant had already been suspended after an undercover
video shot by the Humane Society of America came to light.

The video appeared to show crippled and ill animals being prodded with the
blades of a forklift truck, kicked, given electric shocks and sprayed with
high-pressure water hoses by staff.

Two former employees were charged with animal cruelty on Friday, and the
investigation continues.

The company says it has now taken action to ensure all employees handle
animals humanely.