National Beef Packing Company of Kansas is recalling about 50,100 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. All the products bear the establishment number “EST. 208A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were produced on July 18, 2013 and shipped in 40 to 60 pound cases to retailers, wholesalers, and food service distributors nationwide. The beef bears brand names “National Beef”, “NatureSource”, and “NatureWell.”
The recalled products are all in 10 pound chubs. The products include “National Beef” 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 0707; “NatureSource” 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, Product Code 7031; “NatureSource” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7054; “NatureSource” 90/10 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7344; and “NatureSource” 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7004. Also recalled is “NatureWell” 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, Product Code 7484; “NatureWell” 85/15 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7454; “NatureWell” 90/10 Fine Ground Sirloin, Product Code 7577; and “NatureWell” 93/7 Fine Ground Beef, Product Code 7404.
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS monitoring. There have been no reports of illnesses to date. If you purchased this beef, do not eat it; return it to the place of purchase or discard it in a sealed container so animals can’t get at it.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause serious illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome that can lead to kidney failure. The only way to confirm that ground beef is safe is to cook it to 160 degrees F and check that temperature with a meat thermometer. For questions, call 1-866-761-9472.
