Westland Meat Update USDA Issues Voluntary Recall

February 18, 2008

USDA has announced Westland Meat Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 143,383,823 pounds of raw and frozen beef products (EST 336) under a Class II recall. This recall is designated as Class II due to the remote probability that the beef being recalled would cause adverse health effects if consumed.

Pierre Foods is aggressively tracking products produced from materials received from the Westland Meat Company and recognizes that many of our valued customers have questions concerning this recall. At this time, only Pierre items produced from USDA Commodity Donated Meats from the Westland Meat Company are impacted.

We will communicate complete information as quickly and as responsibly as possible. In the meantime, Pierre is notifying:

  1. Each school and recipient agent originally impacted with updated information relating to the change from USDA Administrative Hold to a Class II Recall
  2. All state Commodity Directors of the situation and the additional tracking that is now required
  3. Distributors previously contacted with updated information related to the change from USDA Administrative Hold to a Class II Recall.

We truly know the impact that this has on your day to day lives and all of us at Pierre stand ready and willing to help you find solutions to this difficult situation. Our website will be update as the situation changes. If you have any further questions, please contact your local Pierre Regional Sales Manager or Dr. Jean Harris at 1-800-553-0282; extension 227.

Updated information from the USDA can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov.

An overview of QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS from the USDA concerning HALLMARK/WESTLAND MEAT PACKING CO. can be found on the USDA website

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/02/0048.xml

Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. Recall notice:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Recall_005-2008_Release.pdf

Hallmark/Westland Meat Company Recall/Destruction/Reimbursement Information
Westland Meat Company