Just as the illnesses from tomatoes and peppers seem to be winding down, the fear of contaminated food moves from fruits and vegetables to meat.
Last month, tainted ground beef from a meat plant was linked to about 50 illnesses. Now, the same plant - Nebraska Beef Ltd. - has recalled 1.2 million pounds of other beef products that might have made more than 30 people sick.
The recall includes primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef that were made on June 17, June 24 and July 8. The products have been linked to illnesses in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Whole Foods Market sold some of Nebraska Beef’s products. It announced a recall Friday of fresh ground beef sold June 2 to August 6 because of possible E. coli contamination.
Early in July, a spokesperson for the USDA said federal officials were satisfied that Nebraska Beef had made enough changes to ensure product safety.
There have already been several lawsuits filed against Nebraska Beef because of last month’s E. coli outbreak and recall.
Food Safety
This is a good time to remind you to cook meat thoroughly. The USDA says ground beef should have an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees to kill E. coli bacteria, if there are any.
E. coli Stats and Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says E. coli makes about 73,000 people sick and kills 61 people each year in the United States. Most of those who die have weak immune systems, like the elderly or the very young.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps and diarrhea that may turn bloody within one to three days.
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Tags: beef, e coli, e coli 0157, Food & Nutrition, meat, Nebraska Beef, recall, USDA, Whole Foods Market
