Northfork Bison Distributors of St. Leonard, Quebec, Canada, is recalling its Bison Burgers (Buffalo Burgers) and Ground Bison (called Bison Ground) for possible E. coli O121 and O103 contamination. There is an outbreak associated with these recalled products. At least 21 people in 7 states are ill with these infections.
The Bison Burgers (Buffalo Burgers) and Ground Bison were distributed across the eastern and central U.S. to institutions and retail outlets. All institutions that have Bison Burgers and Bison Ground in their inventory with the production dates of February 22, 2019 through April 30, 2019, should not serve it to customers, but return it to the distributors.
For consumers, the recalled products are Buffalo Burgers (4 x 4 ounce) with expiration dates up to October 8, 2020. The burgers are packaged in blue boxes with the Northfork Bison logo on the package. The package is also marked with “100% Pure Canadian Bison Meat.”
If you purchased this product, do not eat it, even if you plan to cook it, because of the potential of cross-contamination. Throw the burgers away after first wrapping them to make a secure package, or take them back to the place of purchase for a refund.
All ground meat should be thoroughly cooked to 160°F, and that temperature should be tested with a meat thermometer. Handle these types of product carefully, since any contamination between raw meat or raw meat juices and other foods can cause illness.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include a mild fever, vomiting, severe and painful stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody and watery. Most people get sick within a few days after eating food contaminated with this pathogen. The illness can last for a week, but long term complications can include kidney damage and high blood pressure.
In some groups, particularly children under the age of 5, an E. coli infection can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. Symptoms of HUS include little urine output, lethargy, and pale skin. Anyone with any of these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
