A union that represents federal meat inspectors says the U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended at least two employees following the largest beef recall in history.

Stan Painter, chairman for the National Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals, says the agency told him Friday that they have placed one inspector and one veterinarian on paid administrative leave while they investigate.

Painter says local union representatives told him a third person was also suspended, but he has not been able to confirm it.

The USDA recalled 143 million pounds of beef from Westland/Hallmark Meat Co.'s plant in Chino, after the Humane Society released undercover video showing workers shoving sick or crippled cows with forklifts to get them to stand.