BEEF RECALLED DUE TO E-COLI CONTAMINATION

By Miriam Raftery

May 24, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – Before you throw some steaks or burgers on the barbecue this Memorial Day weekend, be aware that over 62,000 pounds of raw beef products have been recalled. The meats may be contaminated with E. coli, a dangerous bacteria that can cause diarrhea, cramping, kidney failure or death.

The recalled products, which include many different cuts of raw beef, were packed by Aurora Packing Company in Illinois and sold nationwide for distribution and processing. All were packaged on April 19, 2019.

This spreadsheet contains a list of the products subject to recall.[View Labels (PDF only)].  The recalled products have the number “EST. 788” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The problem was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Symptoms appear between two and eight days after exposure. While most people recover, young children and  older adults may suffer kidney failure, detected by paleness, low urine output, and bruising. If you have these symptoms you should seek immediate emergency medical care.

If you or an institution you work for have these products in your freezer or refrigerator, do not consumer them.  Return to the place of purchase for a refund, or throw the products away.

When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume product that has been cooked to a temperature of 165°F. The only way to confirm that beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact David Stewart, Director of Sales and Marketing for Aurora Packing Company, Inc., at (630) 897-0551.