Illness Caused by E. Coli Leads to Recall of Ground Beef

Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation has recalled ground beef contaminated with E, coli bacteria. The recall was the result after three people became ill in Maine and New York. The USDA reports that contaminated beef may have been distributed to stores located in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia as well. The ground beef was originally sent out from Cargill on June 11 where it was packaged and sold under a variety of brand names. A total of 8,500 pounds has been recalled.

E. coli is a bacterium related to a number of intestinal disorders. Ingesting contaminated beef could result in dehydration, diarrhea and possible kidney failure. Hamburger and other beef products should be thoroughly cooked to 160 degrees before it is considered safe to eat. The three individuals reported sick from consumption of the beef were not hospitalized as a result of their illness. Mike Martin from Cargill was relieved the illnesses were not more serious.

The USDA has requested anyone purchasing ground beef to search all ground beef for product code W69032. It could appear on a number of different brands. Any beef identified with this product code should be discarded immediately. It is listed as a class 1 recall and could cause serious illness and possible death.

Cargill is working in cooperation with the USDA in an attempt to determine the cause of the contaminated product. Once E. coli was found as the cause of illness, Cargill immediately issued the recall to prevent additional cases of illness. Martin stated the recall was the proper course of action for Cargill to take in prevention of people getting sick.