A Minnesota meat packer has recalled close to 188,000 pounds of ground beef patties and other meat products because officials believe the beef could be contaminated with dangerous E. Coli bacteria, according to an MSNBC news report. Rochester Meat Co. reportedly issued the recall after five people reported becoming ill in Wisconsin and one person became sick in California after consuming the tainted products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a warning stating the meat may be contaminated with a strain of bacteria – E. Coli 0157:H7, which can be potentially deadly. Common symptoms of this disease include diarrhea and dehydration. Those who are most prone to being seriously affected are the very young and senior citizens.
The tainted meat was reportedly manufactured Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. It was sent to distributors nationwide and the meat could have been used by restaurants and food service institutions around the country. It was however not sold by retailers, USDA officials said.
Food safety officials say consumers preparing beef products must take the following precautions:
• Wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat • Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked • Ground beef and poultry must be cooked to a high enough temperature – an internal temperature of 160 degrees, which is enough to kill the harmful bacteria • Refrigerate raw meat an poultry within two hours of purchase
For more information about the brands and products that have been included in this recall, please click here.
Food safety recalls have almost become a way of life in the United States. Problems rest not only with meat packing plants and other food-processing facilities, but also restaurants and cafeterias that serve food in less than hygienic conditions. E.Coli and Salmonella poisoning can have dreadful effects on the infected person. Click here to read the story of one of our clients who suffered Salmonella poisoning after eating raw quail egg at a sushi restaurant.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a product you purchased or consumed at a local eatery, contact your local health agency. You may visit the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Web site by clicking here or Los Angeles County’s site by clicking here.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a food borne illness and you suspect negligence, call Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.