Beef Recall Information
by Mary Sutfin
February 21, 2008
Dear Prairie Grove Parents/Guardians:
As you may have heard on the national news, there has been a national recall at Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has evidence that Hallmark/Westland did not consistently contact the FSIS public health veterinarian in situations in which cattle became non ambulatory after passing ante mortem inspection, which is not compliant with FSIS regulations Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection FSIS has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall. The USDA defines the recall as a “low health risk” action. The products destined for the Federal food assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program, have now been removed from schools and other holding facilities.
As for Prairie Grove School District 46, we DO NOT have any of these products in our current inventory. We also DID NOT receive any of these items in the past. We received our beef from other suppliers not involved in the recall. At this time, our beef should not pose a risk to our students.
Prairie Grove School District 46 is committed to serving healthy, nutritious, and safe meals to students, faculty, and staff. We are confident that the non-recalled foods in our district are safe. Therefore there are currently no plans to change any menu items in our district because of this recall. Parents who are concerned, however, about the contents of any food items on our menus are asked to contact your school’s principal and/or food service manager to discuss any concerns. For further information, please visit the USDA website at www.usda.gov/actions.
Sincerely,
Joel A. Murphy
Assistant Superintendent, Business/Finance
