Health Law

Safeway and Cargill Recall 22,000 Pounds of Salmonella Hamburger in Arizona and New Mexico

By Marler Clark

Safeway in cooperation with Beef Packers, Inc.'s (Cargill) recall of 22,000 pounds of fresh ground beef that may be linked to an outbreak of Salmonella, Safeway Inc. is recalling fresh ground beef products with "Sell By' dates of September 28 through October 11, 2009. The recall affects all stores in Arizona and one store in New Mexico in the city of Gallup.  The beef recall was triggered by a report by the Arizona Department of Health Services to FSIS that illnesses from Salmonella Newport may be associated with ground beef products. The state agency and the ADHS determined that the association between the fresh ground beef products and two cases of salmonella illnesses reported in Arizona.

While the recalled product is no longer in stores, Safeway is asking its customers to check all ground beef in their freezers. The recall includes fresh ground beef products sold during the dates listed above at the full-service counter in brown butcher paper and at the self-service area wrapped on black Styrofoam trays. These products include fresh ground beef, fresh ground beef patties, fresh meat balls, fresh meat loaf and fresh bell peppers stuffed with beef and pork.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella Newport can cause salmonellosis. Salmonella Newport infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, infants, the elderly, and persons undergoing chemotherapy. This particular strain of Salmonella Newport is resistant to many commonly prescribed drugs, which can increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may include chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on December 04, 2009 (boomark / email).