Here we go again with another food recall. In this case, it's a beef recall and once again our old foe, e. coli is involved. Ground beef produced by Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Illinois is the subject of a federally-mandated recall.
Some have posited that centralized, massive operations related to food mean that the possibility of contamination is higher. Over the last few years we have seen more and more issues with contaminated food, such as peanut butter take place. This beef recall is just the latest example.
Brands named in the beef recall include products from: 3S Brands, Grillmaster Brands, J&B Brands, Klub Brands,Thick 'n Savory Brands, and Ultimate Brands. The beef recall also includes unbranded 10, 20, and 40 pound bulk patties.
The products involved in the beef recall were produced on March 10, 2009, and were distributed nationwide. Illnesses have been reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
According to the USDA, each product in the beef recall has the establishment number “EST. 5712” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The (2-1), (3-1), (4-1), (5-1) and (6-1) markings refer to the number of portions per one-pound.
The USDA press release is here, and has many more precise details on the beef recall.
For those not aware, e. coli is a bacterium that exists naturally in our digestive systems. However, when ingested in food, it is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure (and death). The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible.
The USDA has a toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday which you can call for more beef recall information. You can also call the company involved, Valley Meats directly at (309) 799-7341.
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