By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
November 18, 2009
Two companies have pulled more than 4,000 pounds of meat and poultry products off the market because of possible heath concerns, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today.
Fairbury Steaks, Inc. of Nebraska recalled approximately 90 pounds of meat because of possible E. coli contamination.
The company took that action after tests by the USDA detected E. coli O157:H7 in some samples. That strain of E.coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in some cases, kidney failure, USDA officials said.
The agency, however, said there are no reports of illnesses linked to the meat products involved in this action.
Fairbury Steaks recalled its 10-pound packages of "Bulk Fresh Ground Beef" with the establishment number "EST. 5726" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The company made the products on November 16, 2009, and distributed them to a restaurant in Ruskin, Nebraska.
USDA officials said senior citizens, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to E.coli-related illnesses. The agency warned consumers not to eat ground beef products that are not cooked to a temperature of 160 F, which is high enough to kill harmful bacteria.
Thriving recall
USDA officials today also announced a second recall involving approximately 3,790 pounds of assorted meat and poultry products made by Thrive Foods of Lindon, Utah.
The agency said the products were made without "the benefit of federal inspection."
The USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has a complete list of the recalled products available on its Web site.
The company made the meat and poultry products on October 12, 2009, October 19, 2009, and October 21, 2009, the USDA said. The products were packaged as assortment packs, with six cans in each case, and distributed to wholesale and retail stores in Utah and through Internet sales.
The FSIS discovered the problem and said it has not received any reports of illnesses linked to these products.
Customers with questions about the recall can contact Thrive Foods' president, Bryan Kindred, at (801) 642-0903.
Consumers with food safety questions can contact the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.
