Legal News

On January 11, the Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of approximately 2,574 pounds of beef from Adams Farm Slaughterhouse in Athol, Mass. State safety inspectors have discovered the presence of E. Coli 0157:H7 in beef from that source. Working with the FSIS, state inspectors have determined they have found a link between the contamination and at least one illness reported in Massachusetts.

The products listed for recall are as follows: 1,025-pounds of "Beef Cuts and Ground" packed for Mazzarese; 697-pounds of "Beef Cuts and Ground" packed for Side Hill Farm; 852-pounds of "Beef Cuts and Ground" packed for Sweet Water Farm. Each package bears a label with the establishment number "EST. 5497" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a packaging date of 11/11/2009. The beef products were distributed to private owners on three separate farms in the state of Massachusetts.

The FSIS encourages anyone who thinks they may have symptoms of a food borne illness to see their doctor. Symptoms connected with E. Coli contamination include bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Those with weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to food borne illness.

The FSIS advises that beef is safest when cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The best way to be sure beef has been cooked appropriately to kill any bacteria that may be present is to use a cooking thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the food.

Questions about the recall can be directed to the company's Business Manager, Edward Maltby, at (413) 427-7323. For the full text of the recall announcement go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_002_2010_Release/index.asp.

Related Resources:

• Food Safety and Inspection Service Homepage (FSIS)
• Food Poisoning and Food Safety Resources (FindLaw)
• Food Recalls (FindLaw)
• Products Liability FAQ (provided by Law Offices of Jeffrey I. Amtman)
• Products Liability Resources (provided by Hefferon & Hefferon, P.A.)