National Beef recalls ground beef products over possible E. coli contamination

National Beef Packing, an establishment based in Liberal, Kansas, US, is recalling approximately 50,100lbs of ground beef products as they may be contaminated with with E. coli O157:H7, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products being recalled include 10lb chub of ‘NatureSource’ 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, product code 7031; 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, product code 7054; 90/10 Fine Ground Beef, product code 7344; 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, product code 7004; and 10lb chub of ‘National Beef’ 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, product code 0707.

The recall also includes 10lb chub of ‘NatureWell’ 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, product code 7484; 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, product code 7454; 90/10 Fine Ground Sirloin, product code 7577; and 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, product code 7404.

These products were produced on 18 July 2013 and were shipped in 40lb to 60lb cases to retailers, wholesalers and food service distributors nationwide.

The problem was identified during routine monitoring by the FSIS, which confirmed a positive result for E.coli O157:H7.

Subsequent investigation determined that National Beef Packing was the sole supplier of the source materials used to manufacture the products.

FSIS and National Beef Packing have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Classified as Class I, the recall indicates a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product could cause serious, adverse health consequences.

FSIS regularly conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Foods contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled, but consumption of such foods can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.

This foodborne illness can cause serious illness in the very young, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.

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Image: The recall of National Beef Packing products was initiated after routine monitoring by the FSIS confirmed a positive result for E.coli O157:H7. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH.