What was the largest beef recall in the US history?

Asked by: Brandyn Mayert  |  Last update: April 13, 2026
Score: 5/5 (36 votes)

The largest beef recall in U.S. history was the 2008 Hallmark/Westland recall, involving approximately 143 million pounds of beef, initiated after undercover videos revealed inhumane treatment and improper handling of sick cattle, leading the USDA to deem it unfit for human consumption due to lack of proper inspection. This massive Class 2 recall (remote health risk) primarily targeted beef from downer cows, affecting products in schools and retail stores nationwide, despite no specific pathogen being linked to the incident.

What was the biggest recall in US history?

Takata Airbag Recall (2008)

The Takata airbag defect became one of the largest and deadliest recalls in automotive history. It affected nearly 67 million vehicles in the U.S. and over 100 million worldwide. These airbags could explode when deployed, sending out sharp metal shrapnel.

What was the largest beef recall in US history affected a dizzying amount of meat?

The 2008 Westland/Hallmark beef recall, the largest beef recall in U.S. history, is a stepping-off point to examine the beef supply chain generally and the ground beef supply chain specifically. This case was prepared by Jon Seltzer, marketing instructor at the University of St.

Is there a ground beef recall in 2025?

FSIS Announcement. WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2025 – Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Who has the most recalls in history of all time?

A recall can affect many different vehicle models and model years. Our analysis only counts unique recalls for both make and model. Ford has had 3,086 unique recalls affect their vehicles making it the most recalled make of vehicle in the United States.

Largest recall of beef ordered in U.S. history

34 related questions found

What is the most recalled food item?

Top 10 Most Recalled Food Items

  • Ground beef.
  • Turkey.
  • Chicken.
  • Deli meats and cheeses.
  • Onions.
  • Papayas.
  • Peaches.
  • Cantaloupe.

What is the crappiest car ever?

There's no single "worst car," but common contenders for the title include the AMC Gremlin (awkward design, handling issues), Chevrolet Vega (engine/rust problems), Trabant (poor quality, tiny engine), Ford Pinto (fire hazard reputation), and Yugo (unreliable, cheap quality). Other frequently mentioned cars are the Lada Samara, Triumph TR7, and Chrysler PT Cruiser, often cited for poor build quality, performance, or design.
 

Why not buy ground beef at Costco?

Issues with Costco ground beef often center on its leanness (leading to dryness), large package sizes making storage difficult, and past contamination recalls, particularly an E. coli incident in the late 90s, though quality concerns vary by product (regular vs. grass-fed) and shopper preference, with some finding it great and others preferring different blends for recipes like burgers.
 

How much was a pound of ground beef in 2000?

In the year 2000, a pound of ground beef cost around $1.48 in January to about $1.63 by December, with lean ground beef averaging around $2.22, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data and related reports from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 

Is ground beef from Walmart recalled?

Walmart had a significant ground beef recall in May 2024 for about 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef and patties due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, produced by Cargill on April 26-27, 2024, and sold in various states, requiring consumers to check for specific lot codes (117/118) and establishment number "EST. 86P" on plastic-wrapped trays. While there was a recent recall in late 2025 for other brands, the main Walmart beef recall involved products from Cargill, with instructions to discard or return affected items.
 

What fast food chain used horse meat?

No major U.S. fast-food chains intentionally use horse meat, but a major scandal in 2013 revealed contamination in Burger King's U.K. patties, sourced from a supplier who mixed in horse meat from Poland, affecting other brands like Aldi and Tesco, though Burger King quickly changed suppliers. While Taco Bell faced rumors, they confirmed horse meat was only found in some of their U.K. products and denied using it in the U.S. Some specialized restaurants, like Slovenia's Hot-Horse or the Dutch food truck Keuken van het Ongewenst Dier ("The Unwanted Animal Kitchen"), do serve horse meat. 

Is Costco beef from the United States?

Novel methodology tracks corporate supply chains and identifies pollution hotspots. Costco sources beef from the heavily polluted San Joaquin Valley in California. There is an inverse relationship between PM2.

What is Walmart cheese recalled?

Walmart has had recent cheese recalls, primarily in late 2025, for metal fragments in various store-brand shredded cheeses (Great Value, Coburn Farms, etc.) and for potential Listeria contamination in some specialty cheeses like Pecorino Romano (Member's Mark). Key recalled items include Great Value Mozzarella, Coburn Farms Italian blends, and Member's Mark Pecorino Romano, with details available on the Walmart Corporate recalls page and FDA website. Consumers should check their fridge for these items and return them for a refund.
 

Why is Coke being recalled?

Coca-Cola was recalled in late 2025 for a limited batch of cans (Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Sprite) sold in Texas due to potential metal contamination, posing risks for temporary health issues, though the affected products were removed from shelves, with recalls also occurring earlier in 2025 for plastic contamination, notes CBS News and Fox Business.
 

What was the biggest crisis in US history?

The Depression was the longest and deepest downturn in the history of the United States and the modern industrial economy. The Great Depression began in August 1929, when the economic expansion of the Roaring Twenties came to an end. A series of financial crises punctuated the contraction.

Which car never had a recall?

The MINI Convertible leads the industry with just 0.2 projected recalls, followed by the Lexus ES 300h, RX 450h, and NX 300h each having 0.3 projected lifetime recalls. These projections are based on NHTSA recall campaign data for 2015-2024 model-year cars.

What was the cost of a McDonald's hamburger in 1965?

That's what I remember 15 cent hamburgers, soda 10 cents, 10cent fries!

How much is 1 pound from 1950 worth today?

A single pound (GBP) in 1950 had the buying power equivalent to roughly £38 to £44 today (early 2026), depending on the specific inflation index used, showing significant devaluation due to inflation, meaning that pound could buy much less now than it could then. For example, £1 in 1950 is worth around £40 in 2022-2025, while another calculation suggests £100 in 1950 is worth over £4,400 today. 

How much was a Whopper 30 years ago?

In 1986, a Whopper cost $1.54, large fries were $0.79, and a large vanilla shake rang in at $0.89. That entire meal—for three adults—totaled just $7.98 before tax. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would be equivalent to about $23.60 today.

Does Costco use pink slime in their ground beef?

echoes Foodmaster's position, saying they "only use whole muscle meats of quality beef, and absolutely no additives." Whole Foods also confirms to Consumer World that all its ground beef, both fresh and frozen is pink slime-free, as does Costco.

Who has the highest quality beef?

There's no single "best," as it depends on preference (marbling vs. grass-fed), but Japan (Wagyu/Kobe) and Argentina are top contenders for rich, marbled, or flavorful grass-fed beef, while the USA, Australia, and Canada excel in high-quality, consistently marbled grain-fed beef, with specific producers like Creekstone Farms winning international awards. Ireland also recently won "World's Best Steak" for grass-fed Angus.
 

What is the code 99 at Costco?

At Costco, a price ending in $.99 (like $4.99) signifies the item's full, regular price, indicating it's a standard good value but not a manager's clearance or special deal, though you can get a price adjustment within 30 days if it drops further. For deeper discounts, watch for prices ending in $.97 (clearance), $.88 or $.00 (manager markdowns), or .49/.49 /.49/.79 (manufacturer promotions). 

What's the most gangster car?

Al Capone's Cadillac Town Sedan

The most famous of those is the 1928 V8-powered Cadillac that he had armored with almost 3,000 pounds of steel plating. Later on, bullet-resistant windows were added, and it was painted green with black fenders to look like a police car of its period.

What car is the poor man's Ferrari?

A "poor man's Ferrari" isn't one specific car but a nickname for affordable sports cars that mimic Ferrari's exotic styling, mid-engine layout, or thrilling driving experience, with popular examples being the Toyota MR2, Acura NSX, and older Ferrari 308/348 models. These cars offer similar design flair or performance at a much lower cost, appealing to enthusiasts seeking that supercar feel without the high price tag. 

What is the deadliest car ever made?

11 Deadliest Cars Ever Built

  • Audi 5000. Known to shift into gear and accelerate on its own, the Audi 5000 caused over 650 accidents from 1978 to 1986. ...
  • Chevrolet Cobalt. ...
  • Chevrolet Corvair. ...
  • DeLorean. ...
  • Ford Bronco II. ...
  • Ford Explorer. ...
  • Ford Pinto. ...
  • Pontiac Fiero.