Crocetti’s Oakdale Packing Co. of Brockton, Massachusetts, which does business under the name of South Shore Meats, Inc., has recalled 1,039 pounds of fresh ground beef patties derived from bench trim as well as mechanically tenderized beef cuts that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) spokeswoman Jennifer Manley said on Monday that the company initiated the recall after tests from the MDPH showed the presence of E. coli O157:H7. The FSIS is continuing to work with the MDPH, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention on the investigation.
More than 20 schoolchildren and adults from Rhode Island have been sickened, including two sixth-graders who were hospitalized after consuming the contaminated meat during a field trip earlier this month.
Massachusetts officials say tests showed the ground beef collected at the camp is the same strain of E. coli confirmed in two of the children.
The products subject to recall include:
10-pound boxes containing 40, 4-ounce packages of “Beef Sirloin Patties.”
7.5-pound boxes containing 12, 10-ounce packages of “Beef Teres Major Steaks Seasoned.”
Boxes of 24, 5-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style).”
9-pound boxes containing 12, 12-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (sirloin style).”
9-pound boxes containing 12, 12-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (filet style).”
6.75-pound boxes containing 12, 9-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (sirloin style).”
Boxes of 16, 10-ounce packages of “Beef Top Butt Steaks Sirloin Style.”
Boxes of 20, 8-ounce packages of “Beef Butt Steaks Club Style.”
Boxes of 26, 6-ounce packages of “Beef Top Butt Steaks Sirloin Style.”
Boxes of 12, 10-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style).”
6-pound boxes containing 16, 6-ounce packages of “Beef Filet Of Sirloin, Executive Cut.”
Boxes of 12, 8-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style).”
Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 6336″ inside the USDA mark of inspection and may also bear a date code of “281.” The beef products were produced on October 8, 2009, and were distributed to wholesale distributors and institutions in Massachusetts.
If available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
If you or a loved one has tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, please call one of the E. coli lawyers at Simon & Luke toll free at 1-888-335-4901. Our lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have.
