Tyson recalls ground beef over possible E coli contamination

Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of US-based Tyson Foods, is recalling 40,948lb of ground beef products at its facility in Dakota, Nebraska, US, over fears of E coli O157:H7 contamination.

The products subject to the recall are 10lb chubs of ‘Chuck Fine Ground Beef 80/20’, packed in cases containing eight chubs, with a ‘best before or freeze by date’ of 11 November 2011, and ‘EST. 245C’ on the box label.

The affected products were shipped to institutions and distributors in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The recall was initiated after a product sample screened by the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) showed a positive result for E coli O157:H7.

However, so far, neither the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) nor the company have received any reports of illnesses linked to the consumption of these products.

Although the affected products could have already been consumed given their best before dates, Tyson Fresh Meats is contacting retailers to ensure that any remaining product is removed from the food supply chain.

FSIS has advised all consumers to only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F, which ensures the elimination of harmful bacteria, including E coli O157:H7.

E coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that can lead to bloody diarrhoea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.

The firm initiated a similar action in September, when it recalled around 131,300lb of ground beef products over E coli fears, after a family in Ohio fell ill due to consumption of its ground beef.

 

Caption: Tyson Fresh Meats initiated the recall after a product sample screened by the USDA showed a positive result for E coli O157:H7. Image courtesy of Tyson Foods.