Ground Beef Recall Due to E. coli Concerns
A Massachusetts ground beef E. coli recall was announced yesterday by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The recall, issued by Adams Farm Slaughterhouse, LLC., an Athol, Mass., involves 2,574 pounds of ground beef products that could be contaminated with the harmful pathogen E. coli O157:H7.
E. coli is a bacterium that can cause dehydration and severe or bloody diarrhea. In those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children and the elderly, E. coli can be especially serious, potentially causing kidney failure and hemolytic uremic syndrome (E. coli HUS).
The recall includes the following products:
- 1,025-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Mazzarese.
- 697-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Side Hill Farm.
- 852-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Sweet Water Farm.
The establish number “EST. 5497″ is printed on the packages inside the USDA mark of inspection and the products bear the packaging date of “11/11/2009.”
The contaminated ground beef recall was announced after health officials at the Massachusetts Department of Public health confirmed a sample of ground beef tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. State and federal health officials then confirmed an association between this beef and one illness in Massachusetts.
Tags: E coli O157, Food Poisoning Lawsuit, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
What if you freeze it, then cook the hell out of it?
Robert:
Thank you for your comment. Freezing doesn’t kill E. coli O157:H7. You can read about USDA recommendations for safe beef preparation here:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Beef_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp