14,158 pounds of ground beef recalled for E. coli

Mar 10, 2011 11:37 AM

Recall Creekstone ground beef e.coli contamination sirloin USDA FSIS

A label from one of the Creekstone Farms ground
beef products being recalled for E. coli risk.
Photo: USDA FSIS

Over 7 tons of ground beef are being recalled because of concerns over contamination with E. coli said the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FDA FSIS).

The tainted meat, from Creekstone Farms Premium Beef in Arkansas City, Kansas, tested positive for the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria by third-party laboratories. It was produced late February and shipped to other firms in Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington for further processing and/or distribution.

The FSIS warns in its recall bulletin that this contaminated meat may have been repackaged in consumer-size packages and sold under different retail brand names. When more information on which retailers and consumer products are affected by this recall, the agency will post that information on the FSIS website for recalls: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure warns the FSIS. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness.

Both the FSIS and Creekstone have not received any reports of food poisoning linked to this recall but also advise consumers concerned about possible illness should contact health care providers.

The FSIS also advises consumers should practice safe food handling and preparation practices, which include cooking meat thoroughly and using a thermometer to ensure enough heat is used to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli. You can other food safety tips on Consumer Reports' Health website and on the USDA's Food Safety Education website.

In the meantime, the FSIS advises the following products are being recalled:

Approximately 40-pound cases of "BEEF FINE GRIND 81/19 NATURAL," containing 10-pound chubs. These products have an identifying product code of "80185."
Approximately 40-pound cases of "BEEF CHUCK FINE GRIND 81/19 NATURAL," containing 10-pound chubs. These products have an identifying product code of "80285."
Approximately 40-pound cases of "BEEF SIRLOIN FINE GRIND 91/9 NATURAL," containing 10-pound chubs. These products have an identifying product code of "80495." (See image)
Approximately 40-pound cases of "BEEF FINE GRIND 90/10 NATURAL," containing 5-pound chubs. These products have an identifying product code of "85165."
Approximately 60-pound cases of "BEEF FINE GROUND 93/7," containing 10-pound chubs. These products have an identifying product code of "86191."

For more information, consumers can contact Creekstone or visit the FSIS website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

—Paul Eng

14,000 pounds of ground beef recalled in 10 states due to E. coli [The Examiner]
Kansas Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination [USDA FSIS]
Food Safety Eduction [USDA]