Researchers from the department of animal science at Texas A&M Univeristy and Texas A&M AgriLife Research are focusing on ways to inhibit the growth of STEC E. coli on beef. The Shiga-toxin E. coli bacteria cause 230,000 cases of illness every year in the U.S., when beef is not handled properly and is not cooked to a minimum temperature of 160°F. That beef, when it is not cooked properly or deliberately undercooked, also causes more than 2,000 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) every year, a life-threatening complication of a STEC infection that can lead to kidney failure and death. Such is the case with the ongoing E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Missouri, where undercooked hamburger is linked with the illness of 11 people, six of whom have … [Read more...]
Wolverine E. coli Ground Beef Recall Expands Again
The USDA has expanded the recall list of Wolverine Packing Company ground beef for E. col O157:H7 to include more stores in more states.The USDA has stated that "this list may not include all retail locations that have received the recalled product or may include retail locations that did not actually receive the recalled product." Make sure that you check product-specific information to see if you have purchased the recalled hamburger. The USDA believes that the ground beef was sent to distribution centers nationwide. Missouri stores of Gordon Food Service Marketplace chain have been added to the list. In Illinois, Butcher Block Plus in Decatur may have sold the beef. In Minnesota, the Harvest Moon Co-op in Long Lake may have sold the hamburger. And in North Carolina, Foscoe Country … [Read more...]
Use a Food Thermometer This Holiday Weekend
The USDA is reminding consumers to use a food thermometer when cooking this holiday weekend. There is an ongoing E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with undercooked hamburgers that has sickened at least 11 people in four states. That outbreak is also associated with a recall of 1.8 million pounds of ground beef produce by Wolverine Packing Company. Just remember to practice safe food handling techniques to protect yourself and your family. The pathogenic bacteria that cause foodborne illness are killed when foods are heated to the correct temperature. For ground beef and other ground meats, that is 160°F. Hot dogs should be cooked to 165°F, poultry to 165°F, whole cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and veal to 145°F (followed by a three-minute rest time), and fish to 145°F. Whole cuts of … [Read more...]
USDA Store List for Ground Beef Recalled for E. coli O157:H7
The USDA has posted a retail list for ground beef packed by Wolverine Packing Company that is being recalled for possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The beef is associated with an E. coli outbreak in four states that has sickened at least 11 people. Most of those in the outbreak ordered rare hamburgers at restaurants. The outbreak count is as follows: five people are sick in Michigan, four in Ohio, 1 in Missouri and 1 in Massachusetts. The ground beef was sold in many states. The following stores may have sold the hamburger: Gordon Food Service Marketplace in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. In Florida, Surf N Turf Market in Sebring and Giorgio's Italian Deli in Stuart are listed. In Georgia, Blairsville Seafood Market in … [Read more...]
Ground Beef E. coli Recall Includes North Dakota Supervalu Stores
Two Supervalu stores in North Dakota are among the retailers affected by the 1.8 million pound ground beef recall associated with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 11 people. The stores are located in Beulah and New Town. Consumers who have purchased beef from these stores since the beginning of April should check the packaging to see if it is part of the recall. The recalled products include all dates between “03 31 14” and “04 18 14” that bear the establishment number “EST. 2574B.” Consumers who have purchased beef that is part of the recall should not eat it as it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria which can cause serious illness or death. Five people in Michigan, four in Ohio, one person in Massachusetts and one person in Missouri have all been … [Read more...]
Michigan E. coli Outbreak Warning for Memorial Day Grillers
The ongoing E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened at least 11 people and hospitalized 6 associated with undercooked hamburgers served at restaurants serves as a warning to consumers who are going to grill this Memorial Day weekend. That outbreak, linked to 1.8 million pounds of recalled ground beef sold by Wolverine Packing Company of Detroit, has sickened people in Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, and Massachusetts. Memorial Day is traditionally the start of the grilling season. The FDA has tips on how to grill safely, especially during summer holidays. You can protect your family by following some simple rules. Remember, raw meats that are in your home should be treated as if it is contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, because much of it is, according to research. Make sure you … [Read more...]
E. Coli Outbreak Triggers 900 Ton Recall of Restaurant Ground Beef
An E.coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened at least 11 people in four states has triggered a recall of 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products produced for restaurant use by Wolverine Packing Company of Detroit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). The ground beef products were produced between March 31, 2014 and April 18, 2014. FSIS said the size of the recall stems from "lack of microbiological independence between lot production, as well as a deficiency in supportive record-keeping by distributors." The USDA has released 97-page list of recalled products, including beef patties and Angus burgers. A list of retailers that received the recalled meat will be posted when possible, the agency said. The recalled products … [Read more...]
Costco in Minnesota Recalls Ground Beef for E. coli O157:H7
The Costco in Coon Rapids, Minnesota is recalling an undetermined amount of lean fresh ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The product is 383 units of 88% lean fresh ground beef (88/12). It bears the Costco item number 33724 under the Costco label. This product was sold directly to 342 customers in the Costco located at 12547 Riverdale Boulevard in Coon Rapids between September 4 and September 7, 2013. There is a link between this ground beef and illness. Based on epidemiological and trace-back investigations, one person has been identified in Minnesota who had an illness onset date of September 29, 2013. The product was prepared from bull meat and finely ground meat from othe Costco Wholesale plant in Tracy, California, and bench trim prepared at the Costco … [Read more...]
More Canadian Ground Beef Recalled for E. coli O157:H7
More ground beef products have been recalled in Canada for possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. This is the fourth time this recall has been expanded. The beef was produced by Belmont Meats. Some of the recalled products are associated with an outbreak, but these two products have not been associated with any illnesses to date. The products are sold frozen. The newly recalled products are Sunspun Bearpaw-shaped beef burgers in 4.54 kg packages. The best before date is 2014-02-24 B## BMP EST. 112 where ## is a variable number. The UPC number is 0 60383 09052 4. They were sold in Ontario in Loblaws, nofrills, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs Markets, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Extra Foods, Fortinos, Freshmart, AXEP and Cash & Carry stores. In Atlantic, … [Read more...]
In Canada, Kirkland Ground Beef Recall for E. coli Expands
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling an additional Kirkland Signature ground beef product after the original recall on October 12, 2013. The product was sold only from the Costco warehouse in Lethbridge, Alberta. Kirkland Signature lean ground beef, 15% fat or less, in variable sizes and with variable UPC numbers, is recalled. The pack date is 13/OC/07, and sell by date is 13/OC/08. Food contaminated with E. coli bacteria will not look, smell, or taste spoiled. The recall notice does not state what type of E. coli bacteria is in this beef; it just says "pathogenic E. coli bacteria." If you have purchased this product, do not eat it. Discard it in a tightly sealed container so animals can't get at it, or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. … [Read more...]
