Schrader Farms Meat Market in Romulus, New York is recalling 20 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria. This bacteria is dangerous and may be E. coli 0121, 026, or another strain that is not E. coli O157:H7. There have been no reports of adverse reactions in connection with the consumption of this product.
The beef was produced and packed on September 2, 2015. It is packaged in 1 pound packages and marked “Schrader Farms Meat Market Ground Beef” or “Schrader Farms Meat Market Ground Beef, Bulk”. The beef has the establishment number “Est. 44950” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were sold at the Schrader Farms retail store in Seneca County, New York.
The problem was discovered during routine testing. But this establishment did not follow FSIS Notice 56-14 “Control of Agency Tested Products for Adulterants” and the ground beef was released into commerce prematurely.
Many labs do not test for non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli because it is more difficult to identify. These bacteria cause serious illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), that can lead to death. HUS is most common in children under the age of 5, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea, which is often bloody, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Antibiotic treatment is not recommended for this illness, since it can increase the chance of developing HUS. If you have eaten this ground beef and have experienced these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Public health officials think that this ground beef may be in consumers’ freezers. Check any ground beef that you purchased carefully. If you have the recalled product, throw it away in a sealed container or return to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wash your hands carefully after you handle the product, and clean out your freezer or refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any remaining bacteria.
