9/29/2011
West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is warning consumers that a recall on beef includes products shipped to nearby states Ohio and Maryland, and that shoppers should make sure that any beef purchased in those states are not part of the recall.
“Given our shared borders, it’s quite likely that some West Virginians buy groceries in these states. Consumers should check for recalled product in their homes, and return any recalled beef to the point of purchase,” said Commissioner Douglass. He noted that West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) inspectors are aware of the recall and checking for recalled product during regular store visits.
Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., an Emporia, Kan. establishment, is recalling approximately 131,300 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with
E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Wednesday.
The following products are subject to recall:
- 5-pound rolls of Kroger-brand "GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT," packed in 40-pound cases containing eight rolls. Cases bear an identifying product code of "D-0211 QW." These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Ind. and Tenn. for retail sale.
- 3-pound rolls of Butcher’s Brand "GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT," packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 rolls. Cases bear an identifying product code of "D-0211 LWIF." These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in N.C. and S.C. for retail sale.
- 3-pound rolls of a generic label "GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT," packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 rolls. Cases bear an identifying product code of "D-0211 LWI." These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Del., Fla., Ga., Md., Ill., Ind., Mo., N.Y., Ohio, Tenn., Texas and Wis. for retail sale.
The products subject to recall have a "BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY" date of "SEP 12 2011" and the establishment number "245D" ink jetted along the package seam. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ website at www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.
FSIS became aware of the problem September 26, when the agency was notified by the Ohio Department of Health of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Butler County. Illness onset dates range from September 8, through September 11. The on-going investigation involved collecting leftover ground beef from the patients’ home on September 19, which tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s laboratory.
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 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. Color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7.
Other safety practices include: Washing hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry; washing cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water; immediately cleaning spills; and keeping raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Also refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact the company at 866-328-3156. Media with questions regarding the recall should contact the company’s Director of Public Relations, Gary Mickelson at (479) 290-6111.
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us