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Nebraska Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products For Possible E. coli O157:H7
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| Recall Release |
CLASS I
RECALL |
| FSIS-RC-030-2004 |
HEALTH RISK:
HIGH | |
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202)
720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
April Demert
WASHINGTON, DC - Aug. 3, 2004 -
Carneco Foods, LLC, a Columbus, Neb., firm, is voluntarily
recalling approximately 497,000 pounds of frozen ground beef
and beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli
O157:H7.
The recall was prompted by epidemiological evidence related to illnesses linked to
consumption of a product produced by this establishment on June 21. FSIS continues
to work with state and federal partners on this investigation.
Products subject to recall include:
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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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- Six pound bags of "NORTHERN PLAINS BEEF SIRLOIN AND BEEF PATTIES, 85/15" with a packaging code 17304. The
products subject to recall are also marked with "Best by 12/18/04."
- Ten pound boxes of "NORTHERN PLAINS GOURMET BEEF PATTIES" with a packaging code 17304. The products subject
to recall are also marked with "Best by 12/18/04."
- Eight and ten pound boxes and chubs of "FINE GROUND BEEF 91/09" marked with "Sell/Freeze By 07/10/04" or "SELL BY FREEZE BY 04 JUL 10."
- Seven pound boxes of "SEASONED BEEF PATTIES (MISFORMED)" with a packaging code 17304. The products subject to recall are also marked with "Best by 12/18/04."
All of the products subject to recall bear the establishment
number "EST. 245P" inside the USDA seal of inspection. The
products were produced on June 21, 2004 and were sent to
retail stores nationwide.
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.
Media and consumers with questions about the recall may
contact Division Vice President of Operations John Schaller
at 402-603-7936.
Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact Division Vice President of Operations John Schaller at 402-603-7936.
Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHOTLINE. 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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| USDA
Recall Classifications |
| 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. |
| Class II |
This is a
health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of
adverse health consequences from the use of the product. |
| Class III |
This is a
situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health
consequences. | |
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