In light of last week’s beef recall--the largest ever in U.S. history—we wanted to ask for your feedback on the food safety issue.

On Feb. 17, The Westland/Hallmark Meat Company had to recall more than 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef products dating back to Feb. 1, 2006 after the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) learned that the cattle were not being properly inspected, according to a statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer. Because of the improper inspection of the cattle, “FSIS has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall.”

USDA officials announced the recall Sunday after the Humane Society of the United States released undercover video showing crippled and sick animals (“downer cows”) at the slaughterhouse being shoved with forklifts. Officials estimate that about 55 million pounds of the recalled beef went to USDA nutrition programs, the bulk of it for schools, as part of the National School Lunch Program. Westland/Hallmark meat had also been used for the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Consumer safety is of topmost importance to us as agricultural workers rely on making their living by producing the food we eat. They handle our food before it reaches our tables; are the ones who observe firsthand what safety practices are or are not being followed and we believe--if trained and given a voice--can play a key role protecting consumers. We’ve heard from workers about concerns they have regarding food safety, but without a union contract that gives them the ability to speak up, many are afraid of losing their jobs.

We are asking for your feedback to understand how these incidents have affected how you look at the food you and your family are eating. Please take a moment to fill out the following online poll.

Click "Next" to get started with this 3 page survey. If you'd like to leave the survey at any time, just click "Exit this survey." Your answers will be saved.