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Kansas Firm Recalls Ground Beef for Possible E. coli O157:H7
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| Recall Release |
CLASS I RECALL |
| FSIS-RC-014-2004 |
HEALTH RISK: HIGH |
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
Autumn Canaday
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2004 - Excel Corporation, Inc., a Dodge City, Kan., firm, is
voluntarily recalling approximately 45,000 pounds of fresh ground beef that may be contaminated with
E. coli O157:H7.
The products subject to recall are 80-pound boxes of:
- "EXCEL, CHUCK GROUND BEEF, 81/19 FINE GRIND, 100% BEEF CHUCK, 241."
- "EXCEL, 81/19 COARSE GRIND, GROUND BEEF, 100% BEEF, 336."
- "EXCEL, 81/19 FINE GRIND, GROUND BEEF, 100% BEEF, 356."
- "EXCEL, 90/10 FINE GRIND, GROUND BEEF, NOT TO EXCEED 10% FAT, 100% BEEF, 389."
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PREPARING GROUND BEEF FOR SAFE CONSUMPTION
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHotline or visit www.fsis.usda.gov
Although the product(s) being recalled should be returned to the point of purchase, consumers preparing other ground beef products should heed the following advice.
Consumers should only eat ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe temperature of 160 °F. When a ground beef patty is cooked to
160 °F throughout, it can be safe and juicy, regardless of color.
The only way to be sure a ground beef patty is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use an accurate food thermometer.
Color is not a reliable indicator that ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7.
Eating a pink or red ground beef patty without first verifying that the safe temperature of 160 °F has been reached is a significant risk factor for foodborne illness.
Thermometer use to ensure proper cooking temperature is especially important for those who cook or serve ground beef patties to people most at risk for foodborne illness because E. coli O157:H7 can lead to serious illness or even death. Those most at risk include young children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems.
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Each box contains eight, 10-pound chubs of ground beef and carries the date code,
"USE/FREEZE BY: 04-29-04." The boxes bear the establishment number "86K" inside the USDA
mark of inspection. In addition, each box contains the following lot code, "04100409 0018"
or "04100409 0019." Each chub contains the use/freeze by date and the USDA mark of inspection.
The beef was produced on April 9, 2004 and shipped to distributors in Alabama, Illinois,
Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Texas. The bulk beef was then likely
repackaged prior to retail distribution.
The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector while conducting an inspection verification check.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration.
The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
Consumers may call the Excel consumer hotline at 1- (800) 267-6946 if they have further questions
concerning the recall. Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact Mark Klein,
Excel director of communications, at (952) 742-6211.
Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry
Hotline at 1-888-MPHOTLINE (674-6854). The hotline is available in English and Spanish and
can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday.
Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov
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USDA Recall Classifications
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| Class I |
This is a health hazard situation
where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
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| Class II |
This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
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| Class III |
This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.
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