Last month, we heard about a Southern California slaughterhouse's terrible abuse of "downer" cows, or cows that were too sick to walk. Today, the USDA reported that they have evidence that Westland/Hallmark Meat Company -- the slaughterhouse in question -- did not consult with veterinarians on a regular basis when cows became sick. Because of that, the USDA is recalling all affected meat, 143 million pounds worth.

One hundred forty three million pounds. The AP has already done the math for us. Not only is it the biggest beef recall in U.S. history, it's also enough beef for every man, woman, and child to have two hamburgers. All I can think of right now is that, in this era of "green" living, what a massive waste of resources, energy, and animal life it is to raise and feed that much cattle and then to screw up at the slaughterhouse and have to throw it all away.

Food safety is clearly an issue that's not going away in the U.S. I hope that the video that caused so much outcry and the recall that followed is a loud-and-clear message that Americans want food that's humanely and safely produced.