Oklahoma Schools Involved In Massive Beef Recall

The largest beef recall in the nation's history is impacting several schools districts in eastern Oklahoma. 

The Muskogee School district has 328 pounds of beef set aside for the USDA to pick up. A spokesman for the Bartlesville School district tells the News On 6 that they have 380 pounds of beef.  The district is holding on to its supply until it has been cleared to use byt the USDA.  That word could come as early as Monday afternoon.

Tulsa Public Schools officials say they have not been affected by this latest beef recall.  Officials say to date; the district has not been directed by the USDA to discontinue use of any of its current inventory. 

The school district's child nutrition service provider, Sodexo issued a statement concerning the beef recall.  

"Sodexo is following the USDA's investigation of Westland Meat Company and will take swift and immediate action as recommended by the USDA and/or other regulatory authorities.  Currently the USDA has indefinitely suspended Westland as a supplier to Federal food and nutrition programs and an administrative hold has been placed on all Westland meat products that are in, or destined for Federal food and nutrition programs."

Westland-Hallmark Meat Company, a California slaughterhouse, agreed Sunday to pull 143 million pounds of meat from the market.   The recall comes after the Humane Society released undercover video it says shows workers at Westland-Hallmark dragging animals to slaughter that were unable to walk.   It dates back two years and the USDA says the majority of the meat has probably already been eaten, but the federal agency says it doesn't believe the food presents a significant health risk.  

The USDA also wants to reassure everyone that the American food supply is safe.   

"We understand obviously the concern that the recall of this size generates, but I think if you carefully look at the facts on the safety of the American food supply, we do think the food supply is safe, but we will continue to maintain close attention to what's happening not only in this plant but also any plant that's producing food in the United States," said Dr. Kenneth Peterson with the USDA. 

The president of the slaughterhouse says the company is cooperating with the USDA's investigation and has implemented measures to ensure all workers follow humane handling policies and procedures.