Another day, another E. coli outbreak. This time it’s not cookie dough - it is one of the usual suspects - beef.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced yesterday that JBS Swift Beef Company from Greeley, Colorado has recalled approximately 380,000 pounds of assorted beef primal products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall is being expanded as a result of FSIS’ cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an ongoing investigation into 24 illnesses in multiple states, of which at least 18 appear to be associated. The beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally.
Each product box bears the establishment number “EST. 969″ inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the identifying package date of “042109″ and a time stamp ranging from “0618″ to “1130.” However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number “EST. 969″ on products available for direct consumer purchase. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.
The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts rather than ground beef. F SIS is aware that some of these products may have been further processed into ground products by other companies. The highest risk products for consumers are raw ground product, trim or other non-intact product made from the products subject to the recall.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure and death. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
If you or a loved one has contracted E. coli, please contact the E. coli lawyers at Simon & Luke toll free at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation on your legal rights. We are here to help.
