This is to inform you of the actions undertaken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a result of the ongoing investigation of the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. Upon notification of possible violations of Federal regulations, USDA suspended the operation of Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. All beef products produced by this company dating back to February 1, 2006, have been recalled. The products destined for the National School Lunch Program must be removed from schools and other holding facilities and destroyed.

Detailed information on the recall and disposition instructions has already been shared with the State Distributing Agency (SDA) responsible for the distribution of commodities to the National School Lunch Program in your State. The SDA has shared this information with those school food service directors affected by this recall in your State. We have asked the SDA to work closely with affected school districts to identify the amount of recalled product received and the amount, in inventory, which will be destroyed. Questions regarding the disposition of product should be referred to your SDA. The SDA contact list is found at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/contacts.

Information for school officials and parents can be found at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/safety/hw-information.htm.

Additional helpful information may be found at http://www.usda.gov/actions.