Retailers tied to recall

Here's the 59-page list from the state Department of Public Health. Since the recall of 143 million pounds of meat covers a two-year distribution period, it will be hard to make a direct connection with any illegal practices at Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. in Chino. So far, no illnesses have been associated with the recall, which was triggered by a Humane Society undercover video in which plant workers were seen abusing crippled cows before slaughtering them. As reported by the OC Register, the public health agency has been scrambling for days to find retailers connected to the recalled meat - a daunting task because Hallmark/Westland supplied meat to "first line" distributors. The list includes lots of familiar names, among them Albertson, Bob's Big Boy, Hooters and Marie Callender’s.

Albertsons spokeswoman Lilia Rodriguez said Wednesday that the chain removed all products tied to the recalled beef last week. Some of those include Hot Pockets Philly Steak & Cheese sandwiches and several varieties of frozen ground beef patties. She said "everything was pulled" Friday -- the same day the Supervalu-owned chain was notified that those products were tied to the recall.