There has been a lot in the news recently about a recall of beef produced by the Westland/Hallmark Meat Company. The Ripon Unified School District has acted to remove any meat products produced by the company from its inventory. Several weeks ago the district was informed of the concern about the meat products from the company and advised to set aside all beef products until the matter could be addressed. That was done. Beef was pulled from the school lunch menus and the food service department waited until the situation could be clarified. With the recall, any beef products originating from Westland have been destroyed. This includes product sent directly from the company as well as any prepared products from vendors who used Westland as the source of its beef. The district has arranged for beef to be supplied from other approved and inspected providers. Beef will be on the school lunch menu beginning in March. (02/22/08)