Meat Recalled over Escherichia Coli O157:H7

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Meat Recalled over Escherichia Coli O157:H7

29 June 2003

A voluntary recall was announced Sunday by Stampede Meat Inc., after five cases of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were reported in Kansas, Michigan and Minnesota.

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recall involved some 739,000 pounds of steaks that were packaged with a vacuum seal method. The FSIS said the increase of chemicals and tenderisers injected into the company's meat supply may have encouraged E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

The meats in question were processed between 17 March through 22 March and are stamped with "EST. 19113" within the USDA's inspection logo.

If you have this product in your home, discard it. Even if fully cooked, the E. coli O157:H7 can survive causing symptoms such as bloody stools and severe dehydration. Those in greater risk include children, the elderly and those who have weakened immune systems.

Due to several strains of E. coli, micro-biologists began classifying them into more than 170 serogroups. E. coli O157:H7 was first identified at the U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 1975. However, it was not until seven years later, in 1982, that E. coli O157:H7 was conclusively determined to be a cause of enteric disease.[1]

If you have a question about this recall, you may call Stampede Meats, Inc. directly at their toll-free number (800) 353-0933.

For questions regarding food safety and other recalls in your area, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST.), Monday - Friday. The FSIS has arranged a recorded food safety message which is available to consumers 24 hours a day.

References:

[1] Riley LW, Remis RS, Helgerson SD, et al. Hemorrhagic colitis associated with a rare Escherichia coli serotype. New England Journal of Medicine, Mar 24 1983, 308 (12) pg. 681-5.