Beef might have gone to 700 schools, groups

Last update: February 5, 2008 - 9:06 PM

The Minnesota Department of Education has identified more than 700 schools, school districts and other organizations that might have received beef from a California company accused of abusing sick animals and processing them for human consumption.

Westland Hallmark Meat Co. delivered ground beef to schools in 36 states between Oct. 26 and Nov. 5. About 240,000 pounds of the beef were distributed in Minnesota, said Christine Dufour, a spokeswoman for the Education Department.

Last week, the department ordered schools not to use the meat.

There have been no reports of anyone becoming ill from the beef, Dufour said.

"Essentially, we're putting the beef on hold while we wait for a decision from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,'' she said.

A list of Minnesota schools and organizations that likely received the meat is available on the state education's website. Go to www.startribune.com/a373 and click on Westland Hallmark Beef Hold under Current Topics. The list will be updated as more information is obtained.

MARY LYNN SMITH

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