DAKOTA CITY, Neb. – A Nebraska meatpacker is recalling more than 40,000 pounds of ground beef products distributed in 16 states after a test confirmed the presence of E. coli.
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. is voluntarily recalling wholesale, commodity packages of ground beef chuck produced at its plant in Dakota City, Nebraska, company officials said Friday.
A sample of the product analyzed by the USDA was found to contain E. coli O157:H7. As a precautionary measure, the company is recalling 40,948 pounds of ground beef chuck.
There have been no illnesses associated with this product. It should also be noted there is no danger to consumers as long as this, or any other ground beef product, is properly handled and cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160° F. Thorough cooking kills harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7.
E. coli is a bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are the most susceptible.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the products were shipped to institutions and distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Tyson Fresh Meats said the recall was for 10-pound chubs of chuck fine ground beef 80/20, packed in cases containing eight chubs.
The product involved in the recall includes:
· 80-lb. boxes containing eight, 10-lb. chubs (or tubes) of 80/20 fine ground beef chuck
· Each box bears “Est. 245C” inside the USDA mark of inspection and a production code of D-0381-BH
The affected ground chuck was produced Oct. 24, 2011, and the “best before or freeze by” date of the product was Nov. 13, 2011, which is printed on the clear film casing of each 10-lb. chub. Given these dates, it is likely most of the affected product has already been consumed.
However, the company is contacting the affected customers in an effort to ensure any remaining product is removed from the food supply chain.
Tyson Fresh Meats shipped the affected ground beef to the following food distributors located in 16 states.
Associated Grocers – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Affiliated Kenosha – Kenosha, Wisconsin
J.H. Harvey – Green Cove Spring, Florida
Merchants Distributors Inc. – Hickory, North Carolina
AWG Goodlettsville – Goodlettsville, Tennessee
AWG Southaven – Southaven, Mississippi
TOPCO Associates – Skokie, Illinois
Glen Rose Meat Co. – Vernon, California
Young & Stout, Inc. – Bridgeport, West Virginia
Institution Food House, Inc. – Florence, South Carolina
G&C Food Distributors – Syracuse, New York
Southern Foods – Bowling Green, Kentucky
Supervalu – Xenia, Ohio
Dutch Creek Foods – Sugarcreek, Ohio
Institution Food House, Inc. – Hickory, North Carolina
J. Winkler & Sons, Inc. – Dale, Indiana
ACC Distributors – Leesburg, Georgia
Scariano Bros. LLC – Hammond, Louisiana
Wood Fruitticher Grocery Co. Inc – Birmingham, Alabama
PFG Powell Co. – Cairo, Georgia
Tampa Steak Inc. – Tampa Florida
Consumers with questions may call Tyson Consumer Relations at 866-328-3156 or email comments@tyson.com.
Be the first to comment