Tyson Fresh Meats Ground Beef Due to Possible E. Coli Contamination

A sample of the product analyzed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) was found to contain E. coli O157:H7. As a precautionary measure, the company is recalling approximately 131,300 pounds of ground beef.

Sep 28 2011 --- Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. is voluntarily recalling retail packages of ground beef produced at its plant in Emporia, Kansas, company officials have reported.

A sample of the product analyzed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) was found to contain E. coli O157:H7. As a precautionary measure, the company is recalling approximately 131,300 pounds of ground beef. Each package bears the establishment code EST 245D as well as a “Best Before or Freeze By SEP 12, 2011.” The product was produced on August 23, 2011.
 
The ground beef was sold in pre-packaged printed tubes or “chubs” that are placed directly into the retail meat case. The recall does not involve any clear film, tray pack ground beef or any ground beef patties.
 
Given the use by dates it is likely most of the affected product has already been consumed. However, the company urges consumers to check their freezers and, if they find the product in question, to return or discard it.
 
Specific products being recalled include:
 
5 lb. chub – Kroger Quality Guaranteed Ground Beef 73% Lean 27% Fat
3 lb. chub – Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef, Ground Beef 73% Lean 27% Fat
3 lb. chub – Ground Beef 73% Lean 27% Fat (Printed film for retail)
 
Pictures of the product labels are below.
 
Tyson Fresh Meats shipped the affected ground beef to the following retail customers at distribution centers in the states listed below.
 
Retail Customers: The Kroger Company, Food Lion, Inc., SAV-A-LOT, Spectrum Foods, Inc., Supervalu, the Defense Commissary Agency
 
Distribution Center Locations: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the establishment are concerned that consumers may freeze the product before use and that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. FSIS strongly encourages consumers to check their freezers and immediately discard any product subject to this recall.

FSIS became aware of the problem when the agency was notified by the Ohio Department of Health of E. coli 0157:H7 illnesses located in Butler County. Illness onset dates range from Sept. 8, through Sept. 11, 2011. The on-going investigation involved collecting leftover ground beef from the patients’ home on Sept. 19 which tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s laboratory yesterday (Sept. 27).

FSIS is continuing to work with Ohio public health partners on this investigation.

E. coli O157:H7 is a 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 health care provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.