Beef Recall Spreads to More Schools

   The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Charles County Public Schools on Friday that it might have received two cases of frozen, precooked hamburgers affected by a recent recall.  According to Patrick Tague, CCPS supervisor of food service, two of 122 cases of frozen hamburger patties received on Jan. 24 from Zartic Food Company were processed with meat from Westland Meat Company.

   The school system received word from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on Feb. 11 that the shipment might be involved in a secondary recall as a result of the ongoing investigation into Westland’s practices.

Photo courtesy of the USDA.

   CCPS reports that food service workers at all schools immediately checked inventory.  However, the two cases, containing 240 hamburgers each, were not found.  The school system’s kitchens served 14,468 hamburgers between the receipt of the shipment in January and Feb 11, when they were notified of the possible recall by MSDE.  Formal notification from USDA wasn’t received until Feb. 22. 

   The products in question contain beef processed by Westland/Hallmark Meat Company, which is under investigation for animal cruelty and possible processing violations. No illnesses related to the products have been reported.  Federal officials told the school system that despite the recall, the possibility is remote that the beef would cause illness.

   Superintendent James E. Richmond said, “The school system’s food service department responded immediately to the recall information and is working to ensure that no other beef provided by this company is served to our students. We continue to monitor the investigation for additional information and will make any needed adjustments to our food and nutrition program. At this time, we are assured that the recall of all the meat from this processing company is precautionary.”

   CCPS assures parents and guardians that food service managers continue to check production dates and lot numbers on all hamburgers before using any additional products from Zartic.

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