Guide Note
Steve Mendell is the president of the Chico, California-based Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. The company was responsible for the largest beef recall in U.S. history in 2008.1
Fast Facts
- Recall for 143 million pounds of beef, largest ever in the United States1
- Cows that are too sick to walk, or "downer cattle," cannot be used for food supply without inspection2
- Mendell stated that none of the sick cows were taken to slaughter3
- Forced to acknowledge downer cattle may have entered the food supply after being presented with video evidence3
- Claimed to have no knowledge of the mistreatment of cattle3
- Videos recorded by The Humane Society of the United States
- Downer cattle could lead to mad cow disease2
Steve Mendell Quotes
"I was shocked. I was horrified. I was sickened."3
