Michigan firm expands recall on ground beef contaminated with E. coli bacteria

E Coli, Food Product Recalls, Hot Topics

A Michigan company has expanded a recall on ground beef products because it may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

According to a release from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, McNees Meats Wholesale Inc. has included several more ground beef products in a previously-issued recall.

The recall now also includes:

  • 1 and 10-lb. clear packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.”
  • 1 to1.5-lb., approximate weight clear plastic bags of “McNees Ground beef patties.”
  • 1-lb. packages of “McNees Ground Round.”
  • 1 and 2-lb packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags.

Each of the now-recalled products, either the clear plastic bag or package, is marked with the USDA Establishment number EST. 33971 inside the agency’ inspection mark. These products were processed on July 7, 15, 21, 28 and Aug. 4. They were sold to retail locations in several Michigan communities: Armada, Lapeer and North Branch.

McNees Meats and Wholesale also sold ground beef included in this recall from its own retail location in North Branch.

Michigan health authorities are aware of at least five illnesses linked to contaminated ground beef in this recall. Those illnesses were linked to products processed on July 15 and 21. The company has expanded the recall to include more processing dates.

E. coli poisoning can be life-threatening and lead to hospitalization for severe symptoms. Early signs of E. coli infection include nausea, headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.