Locals React to Largest Meat Recall in U.S. History

Officials enact the largest beef recall in U.S. history after video showing crippled and sick animals being shoved into a slaughterhouse is released to the public. The USDA ordered the recall of 143 million pounds of beef from a southern California slaughterhouse Sunday. This comes after inspectors said they found clear violations of USDA regulations, and the company is now being investigated for animal abuse. This recall will affect beef products from as far back as February 1, 2006. The meat was distributed by the Hallmark/ Westland Meat Company in California. Officials say the company provided meat to various federal programs and they believe most of the meat has already been eaten, but this recall definitely has people talking. A video was secretly made by a Hallmark/Westland employee and provided to the Humane Society. It shows workers kicking, shocking and shoving animals with forklifts. The cows were apparently too sick or injured to walk into the slaughterhouse. The video has led to the recall of 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef products that officials say is unfit for human food. Matthew Guerriero of Monroe said, “Thats very troublesome because all that meat has already been eaten, so what else are we going to be exposed to?" Norma Mathieu of Monroe said, “I dont know why they cant watch the meat, I dont know why in this big country that we cant have clean food." People we talked to today feel government agencies should keep a closer watch on whats being sold to consumers. Audrey Malloy of Monroe said, "Naively, I just assume that the government takes care of that, but obviously they dont because this has happened. Somehow, maybe somebody needs to pinpoint these big companies and start looking closer." "Theyll feed the cows anything they can in the world to grow the meat.” Mathieu said, “Theyll sell it under any condition and I dont think theyre one bit concerned about us one way or the other." Weve spoken with representatives at the Brookshires in Monroe and the Harvest Foods in West Monroe. They say this recall will not affect their consumer in Northeast Louisiana. Paul Ford, Market Supervisor at Brookshires said, "Customers can take comfort in knowing that all the meat thats sold at Brookshires and Super One is safe." Some say this recall wont have an affect on their next stop down the supermarket meat aisle "To me its a great concern,” said Malloy, “but I dont know that itll keep me from purchasing meat." While others say beef wont be whats for dinner. "Its just not worth the effort,” said Mathieu. “Id rather just cook me a pot of beans than worry with catching no telling what from some animal." The Westland Meat Company received an award for supplier of the year as a provider for the National School Lunch Program. In a statement issued February 3, the company president, Steve Mendell, said the company is cooperating with the USDA and the pictures in the Humane Society video are a serious breach of the companys policies and training. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/FOX 14 News, Written by Casey Ferrand)