Texas Natural Meats is recalling about 489 pounds of Green Field Farms frozen raw ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O103, which is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain. The recall notice did not state whether or nor any illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recalled product is 1 pound bags of “Green Field Farms Rogers Texas Ground Beef.” The bags have the production date “PRODUCTION DATE 08.08.2017” and also display the “EXPIRATION DATE 08.08.2020.” The bags are labeled “COOK USE ONLY” with the instruction “DO NOT refreeze after defrosting.” These items have the establishment number “EST. 34449” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were shipped to a retailer who sold the ground beef at a farmer’s market in Roger, Texas.
FSIS discovered this problem on June 19, 2018 during routine inspection activities. The ground beef was tested and turned out positive for STEC O103.
If you purchased this ground beef, do not eat it, even if you plan to cook it thoroughly. Recalls like this are why food safety experts tell consumers to cook ground beef to 160°F and check that temperature with a reliable meat thermometer. Throw this ground beef away in a sealed package, or take it back to the place of purchase for a refund.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection include bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. This infection can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure, strokes, coma, and death. Symptoms of HUS include decreased urine output, pallor, and easy bruising.
