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Beef Recall Impacts Philadelphia Schools

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Feb 20, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern

Beef Recall Impacts Philadelphia Schools

  List Of Affected Schools

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Philadelphia is among nearly 200 Pennsylvania school districts impacted by the nation's largest-ever beef recall.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered the recall of 143 million pounds of frozen beef distributed by Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. from as far back as 2006.

Approximately 37 million pounds of the recalled beef had been issued to school lunch programs throughout the country.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture said 196 school districts throughout the state have been affected by the recall.

Meat included in the recall has been found in city schools, despite initial beliefs they were safe.

"They went from an administrative hold to a total recall of millions of pounds of beef and that's when it affected us," Philadelphia Public School's Fernando Gallard said.

Officials said a large amount of beef has already been consumed, but any remaining meat has been set aside for disposal.

"We had 152 cases so it would go directly to the landfill," Great Valley Food Service's Barbara Nissel said, "Under 50 cases you destroy it in the presence of two witnesses with a certified affidavit."

As a precaution, administrators said all beef products have been removed from Philadelphia School District menus until further notice. Officials said no illness has been reported.

"Even though it is a low health risk we are moving forward with setting aside all beef in our schools," Gallard said.

It's unclear how much of the beef students consumed, but school officials said no illnesses have been reported.

The historic recall stemmed from an animal-abuse investigation at the California slaughter house. The USDA has said the health threat appears minimal.
For a list of Pennsylvania schools impacted by the recall, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

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