Tyson Fresh Meats recalls ground been contaminated with E. coli bacteria

E Coli, Food Product Recalls, Hot Topics

Tyson Fresh Meats has been forced to recall about 131,000 pounds of ground beef products because it may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria responsible for a few illnesses.

According to a release from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, the recall involves the following products:

  • 5-pound chubs of Kroger-brand “GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN – 27% FAT,” packed in 40-pound cases containing eight chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of “D-0211 QW.” These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Ind. and Tenn. for retail sale.
  • 3-pound chubs of Butcher’s Brand “GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN – 27% FAT,” packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of “D-0211 LWIF.” These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in N.C. and S.C. for retail sale.
  • 3-pound chubs of a generic label “GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN – 27% FAT,” packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of “D-0211 LWI.” These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Del., Fla., Ga., Md., Ill., Ind., Mo., N.Y., Ohio, Tenn., Texas and Wis. for retail sale.

The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service was made aware of several reports of E. coli poisoning by Ohio health officials on Sept. 26. Officials in Ohio said they became aware of E. coli poisoning victims in Butler County and an investigation revealed ground beef at each victim’s home tested positive for E. coli bacteria.

Products in the recall were distributed to numerous retail locations and the USDA said it will post specific locations when it is made aware of them. Affected products have a Best Before or Freeze By date of Sept. 12, 2011 (marked as SEP 12 2011). The USDA Establishment number – EST 245D – are printed on the product’s seam, according to the release.

Infections from eating the contaminated ground beef were reported between Sept. 8 and Sept. 11. Health officials at the state and federal level are urging consumers to check their freezers to see if they have any affected products.