Largest recall of beef ordered in U.S. history

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Hello on this Monday, February 18, 2008. I'm Kristin Volk with a UPI news update.

The USDA is ordering what federal officials say is the largest beef recall in U.S. history. 143 million pounds are being recalled. The slaughterhouse has been accused of mistreating cows. Most of the animals were too sick to walk since passing pre-processing inspections, and none of those cows were inspected. Federal regulations say all handicapped cows must be examined for chronic illness by an inspector to prevent the spread of mad cow disease. Investigators say they've found no cases of illness connected to the meat, but there's a remote possibility that it could cause sickness.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan is in the hospital following a fall at her home yesterday. Staff of the 86-year-old says she was hospitalized overnight as a precaution, but that she's in good spirits and visiting with friends. Reagan is the widow of former President Ronald Reagan, who died four years ago.

Barack Obama is back on the campaign trail after reportedly meeting with former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards at his home yesterday. Hillary Clinton also met with Edwards recently. Both candidates are seeking the endorsement of the former North Carolina senator. Just over a week ago, Edwards met with several of his advisers to discuss which candidate he should endorse.

In sports, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman says he got a push from heaven on the final lap to win the Daytona 500. This was Newman's first Cup victory in more than two years. Newman's teammate Kurt Busch helped push him past Tony Stewart's Toyota. That move gave their car owner, racing legend Roger Penske, his first victory in the Daytona 500.

That's all for now. Go to upi.com for more of these stories and all of the day's news.

Keywords: beef, Busch, Clinton, cow, Edwards, mad, meat, Nancy, NASCAR, Newman, Obama, Penske, Reagan, Roger