A New Hampshire E. coli outbreak has triggered a recall of beef products sold under the brand names: Chestnut Farms, PT Farm, Miles Smith and Robie Farm. Consumers who have purchased these products should not eat them as E. coli can cause serious illness and death.
Those most at risk for E. coli infections are children, seniors, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women.The outbreak includes 14 people who consumed the contaminated meat at various locations.
The recall, by PT Farm, of North Haverhill, N.H., includes 8,800 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled products include ground beef, ground beef patties and other sub-primal cuts sold in various weights and various sizes and packed in cardboard boxes produced between June 6 and June 16, 2016. The establishment number “M8868” appears inside the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled meat was shipped to retail locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody. Anyone who has eaten the recalled meat and develops these symptoms should seek medical attention.
E. coli infections should not be treated with antibiotics or antacids as these can worsen infections and increase the risk of life-threatening complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS causes kidney failure, seizure, stroke, coma and death. Those most at risk are children and seniors. Symptoms of HUS usually appear about a week E. coli symptoms, they include easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
