Health Law

CDC - 24 Illnesses in Multiple States Appear Linked - JBS Swift Beef Company Expands Recall of Beef Products to over 420,000 Pounds Due To E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

By Marler Clark

It appears that E. coli season is now upon us with what now appears to be the 8th recall of the year.  On June 24 JBS Swift Beef Company (former ConAgra Plant famous for 2002 E. coli Outbreak) recalled approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. A few hours ago, the FSIS announced that JBS Swift Beef Company is voluntarily expanding its June 24 recall to include approximately 380,000 pounds of assorted beef primal products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

According to FSIS, together with traceback information and laboratory data, the recall is being expanded as a result of FSIS' cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an ongoing investigation into 24 illnesses in multiple states, of which at least 18 appear to be associated.

This investigation prompted the company to re-examine the effectiveness of their food safety system for the April 21 production of beef primals, and they are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution as the safety of the products produced on a portion of that day could not be assured.

The beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally. A list of the products subject to the expanded recall attached.

Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the identifying package date of "042109" and a time stamp ranging from "0618" to "1130." However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "EST. 969" on products available for direct consumer purchase. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.

The recalled products include intact cuts of beef, such as primals, sub-primals, or boxed beef typically used for steaks and roasts rather than ground beef. FSIS is aware that some of these products may have been further processed into ground products by other companies. The highest risk products for consumers are raw ground product, trim or other non-intact product made from the products subject to the recall.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on June 28, 2009 (boomark / email).