Beef Products Recalled for Possible E. Coli Contamination
Beef Products Recalled for Possible E. Coli Contamination
A New Jersey-based company is recalling about 42,922 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. According to an alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the raw ground beef items were produced on June 1. The products included in this recall bear the establishment number “EST. 46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The items were shipped to retail locations nationwide under the brand names “Marketside Butcher,” “Thomas Farms” and “Value Pack.”
Details of the Meat Recall
The problem was discovered during routine testing by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses as a result of these products. FSIS officials are concerned that some of these products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have bought these products are urged not to consume them.
These products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. FSIS is also advising all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products including fresh and frozen and to 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.
The Dangers of E. coli
E. Coli is a potentially lethal bacterium that could produce concerning symptoms including dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The symptoms could surface two to eight days after exposure to the organism. While many recover, some could develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS. This could occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 and older adults. HUS is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and reduced urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care right away.
If you or a loved one has been sickened by these or other contaminated products, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the negligent food producer. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would also be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled food poisoning and other defective products cases.
