On December 27, 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a public health alert for approximately 14,800 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157.H7. The beef was produced by Texas American Food Service Corporation, which does business as American Fresh Foods.

The following products are subject to this alert:

• 2-pound approximate weight packages of 73/27 Ground Beef bearing a sell-by date of 12.30.07
• 2-pound approximate weight packages of 80/20 Ground Beef Chuck bearing a sell-by date of 12.31.07
• 1-pound approximate weight packages of 85/15 Ground Beef Sirloin bearing a sell-by date of 12.31.07
• 1-pound approximate weight packages of 90/10 Ground Beef Sirloin bearing a sell-by date of 12.31.07
• 1-pound approximate weight packages of 96/04 Extra Lean Ground Beef, 4 percent fat, with a sell-by date of 12.31.07

Each package has an establishment number ?EST 13116? inside the USDA mark of inspection and the company name ?American Fresh Foods, Ft. Worth, TX 76102? below the nutrition information.

The following bulk packages were also included in this recall:

• 40-pound “net wt.” box of “73/27 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK MAP”
• 260-pound “net wt.” combo bin of ” CHUCK 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK MAP”
• 370-pound “net wt.” combo bin of “SIRLOIN 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK”

Each bulk product label bears the establishment number “EST. 13116” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a date of “12.19.07” with the production information filled in by hand.

The FSIS says consumers should not eat the recalled beef as E. coli O157.H7 can lead to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially death. Those especially at risk are the very young, elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems. Consumers should contact the company at 1-800-724-1136.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, ?FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7,? December 27, 2007.