One hundred and forty three million pounds of beef was put on hold at the end of January as the U.S. Department of Agriculture decided what to do about it. In the end, they recalled it. That’s not before countless numbers of Americans were already exposed to the potentially harmful meat, however, in the form of hamburgers, sloppy joes and school lunches.

The meat was recalled because of a threat of mad cow disease, and investigators learned about it after an undercover video was released showing sick cows being forced to the slaughterhouse.
 
These sick cows, investigators fear, could be carriers of mad cow disease, which is fatal to both animal and human. So far, there have been three cases in the U.S.
 
This is the largest beef recall in American history, and it seems to be sparking debates over how to protect consumers from illness, injury and death from disease-infested food.
 
The beef came from the Westland/Hallmark company, which is now under investigation for failing to contact a veterinarian when cattle became sick after passing an initial health inspection. Failure to consult a veterinarian is against health regulations, and the company could face major consequences.
 
One meatpacker has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty for trying to force the sick animals to slaughter by ramming them with forklifts. Another employee is also wanted in relation to the crime, but investigators cannot find him.
 

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