Officials said it was the largest beef recall in the United States, surpassing a 1999 ban of 35 million pounds of ready-to-eat meats. The recall will affect beef products dating to Feb. 1, 2006, that came from Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., the federal agency said. 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.

Federal officials suspended operations at Westland/Hallmark after an undercover Humane Society of the United States investigation showed crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts. 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.

Authorities said the video showed workers kicking, shocking and otherwise abusing "downer" animals that were apparently too sick or injured to walk into the slaughterhouse. Some animals had water forced down their throats, San Bernardino County prosecutor Michael Ramos said. No charges have been filed against Westland, but an investigation by federal authorities continues.

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Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer regarding Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company two year product recall.

Click here for the Animal Attraction archives to read the original story and watch the investigation video posted on February 7, 2008.

Take action today by sending an email to the USDA. Despite claims that downers were being eliminated from the food supply, downed animals may be falling through the cracks as a result of poor oversight, anemic enforcement, and a loophole created by inconsistent agency regulations. The result is a losing proposition for animals who are beaten, kicked, and dragged to their death and consumers who unknowingly consume the meat from sick and injured animals. Demand that the USDA eliminate this dangerous loophole and immediately put in place a "bright line" ban on all downers.