Palo Duro recalls 40,000lb of frozen E coli-tainted beef

Texas-based Palo Duro Meat has recalled 40,000lb of frozen fine ground beef products that may be contaminated with E coli O157:H7, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products subject to recall includes 40lb boxes containing four 10lb chubs of fine ground beef, produced on 9 September 2011.

The problem was discovered by the company after a review of lab results that confirmed a positive result for E coli O157:H7 on 22 September.

The products were shipped to two warehouses in Georgia for further distribution to institutions, including six school districts in Georgia associated with the National School Lunch Program.

The beef has not left the warehouses, and the FSIS said that it is not aware of any product having been served as part of school lunches in the districts.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.