The USDA has issued a Public Health Alert for raw boneless beef trim products imported from Canada that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) tested the product produced by XL Foods (Est. 38) and was confirmed positive for the pathogenic bacteria on September 3, 2012. This triggered the original recall of XL ground beef products on September 16, 2012.
The company has notified its customers, including U.S. establishments, about the recalled product. FSIS is working to perform effectiveness checks to make sure that all trim received from Est. 38 either “received a full lethality treatment or that no raw trim was further distributed into other no-ready-to-eat product,” according to the USDA.
The recalled beef trim was distributed to U.S. establishments in these states: California, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. Beef trim is used primarily to make ground beef. But this beef trim may have been processed into other products, including ground beef patties, beef jerky, and pastrami.
A recall like this is a reminder why it’s so important to handle and cook raw meat products correctly. Always wash hands before and after handling raw meat with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Disinfect utensils, cutting boards, dishes, and countertops. Keep raw meats away from other foods that are not cooked before eating. And never eat ground beef unless it has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F. that has been confirmed with a meat thermometer.
