E. Coli Recall Issued for 50,000 Pounds of Ground Beef

Government health officials have announced a recall involving more than 50,000 pounds of ground beef, after random sample testing verified the presence of E. coli contamination, which could pose a serious risk of food poisoning for consumers, especially among those with a weakened immune system.  

The ground beef recall was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on July 31, after the meat was confirmed to contain E. coli O157:H7.

Although no illnesses have been reported to the manufacturer or government health officials to date, the contamination in ground beef could cause consumers to suffer E. coli poisoning, resulting in mild to severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps, bloody stools, and sometimes minor fevers lasting between 5 and 10 days. For individuals such as young children or the sick and elderly, the consequences may be more severe due to weakened immune systems, which could allow the infection to cause a serious condition known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which could lead to kidney failure and even death.

The E. Coli recall includes the following beef products distributed by National Beef Packaging Co.; 10 lb. chub of “National Beef” 93/ 7 Fine Ground Beef, with Product Code 0707, 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, with Product Code 7031, 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, with Product Code 7054, 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 90/10 Fine Ground Beef, with Product Code 7344, 10 lb. chub of “NatureSource” 93/ 7 Fine Ground Beef, with Product Code 7004, 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, with Product Code 7484, 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, with Product Code 7454, 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell” 90/10 Fine Ground Sirloin, with Product Code 7577, and 10 lb. chub of “NatureWell” 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, with Product Code 7404.

All recalled ground beef products were shipped in 40 to 60 pound cases to retailers, wholesaler, and food service distributors nationwide with establishment number “EST. 208A” inside of the USDA mark of inspection with production date July 18, 2013.

The FSIS announced that their investigation determined the manufacturer and distributor, National Beef Packaging Company of Liberal, Kansas, was the sole supplier and the source of contamination due to materials used to produce the beef product.

The recall is categorized as a Class I recall by the FSIS, which is the highest level of recall indicating there is a reasonable probability that the use or consumption of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences and even death.

The FSIS encourages consumers to prevent further contamination by taking preemptive steps such as washing your hands thoroughly in warm/hot water with sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Consumers can also prevent the contamination from spreading to other foods that will not be cooked as thorough by storing them separately and using different cutting boards when preparing the foods.

Consumers with recalled ground beef products are encouraged to contact National Beef Company at 816-713-8631 or visit them online at nationalbeef.com and navigate to the link containing the company’s return and reimbursement policy.