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Local schools not affected by meat recall |
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Written by Publisher
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Friday, 22 February 2008 |
By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff
Schools within the St. Marys Area School District, including all catholic schools, have not been affected by the massive meat recall announced Sunday.
"We received notice on Wednesday, Feb. 6 about the recall during which time we immediately reviewed our stock and found that we have not received any items from the Westland/Hallmark Meat Co., in the past nor currently have
any items from them in our inventory," states SMASD Superintendent Murray Neeper.
In the wake of the nation's largest-ever meat recall, the143 million pounds of beef products that was affected dating back to Feb. 1, 2006 was mainly sent to distribution centers in bulk packages. Officials estimate that about 55 million pounds of the recalled beef went to USDA nutrition programs, the
bulk of it for schools.
An estimated 150 school districts around the nation have stopped using ground beef from Hallmark Meat Packing Co., which is associated with Westland. According to health officials, no illnesses have been linked to the recalled beef and the health threat is likely small.
"We were told to look for anything with Westland Meat Co., on it," Neeper said. "Although the district has not been affected we still inventoried our supply."
Neeper explained that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture contacted each of the 175 school districts across the state that have received products from the government's commodities program. St. Marys Area School District was not notified by the department as having received any of the
tainted items.
Denise Greenthaner, cafeteria manager at Elk County Catholic High School, said their school was not affected by the recall.
Greenthaner is employed through The Nutrition Group of West Newton, a food facility management service company which subcontracts with numerous school districts across the state.
"While several of our accounts have used or received the products, we have pulled the remaining items off the shelves," noted Gerald Moore, president of The Nutrition Group. "It was recommended not to serve it so we are holding it for the USDA to review."
Concern stemmed when an undercover video, released by the Humane Society of the United States, showed crippled and sick animals being shoved with forklifts at a Southern California slaughterhouse.
To date police have arrested one of the meatpacking employees charged with felony counts of animal cruelty. The counts carry a maximum prison sentence of 5 years to 8 months. Westland's business practices are also being investigated for possible state and local violations.
Agriculture officials said the massive recall surpasses a 1999 ban on 35 million pounds of ready-to-eat meats.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 25 February 2008 )
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