The largest beef recall in US history – more than 140 million pounds of it – was sparked by a covert Humane Society video showing employees at the Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. in Chino, Calif., dragging so-called "downer" cows onto a killing floor. Federal officials determined the cows had not been properly inspected. Although no illnesses were tied to the recall, it sparked changes in food-safety procedures, caused the company to close, and led to the criminal conviction of two employees.

Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom/File
A security guard pulls the gate shut to the Hallmark/Westland Meat Co. in Chino, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2008. The company initiated the largest beef recall in US history and eventually closed. Two employees were convicted on criminal charges.