WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2002—Montana Quality
Foods and Processing, a Miles City, Mont., firm, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 270 pounds of fresh ground beef that may be contaminated
with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food
Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The products subject to recall are packaged in boxes of various weight
and sizes. Each box is labeled "GENERAL CUSTER BRAND MEATS.
ESTABLISHED 1946." Each box contains case codes of "23-1,"
"23-2," "23-3," or "23-4." The establishment
code "EST. 7679" is located inside the USDA seal of inspection.
Each box contains 10 pound bags. Each bag bears the label "Ground
Beef," and the company name and "EST. 7679."
The ground beef was produced on Jan. 23, 2002 and distributed to
restaurants in Miles City, Forsyth, Colstrip and Ashland, Montana.
"Because of the potential for serious foodborne illness, we want
consumers to be aware of the recall," said Margaret O’K. Glavin
acting FSIS administrator. "Diners in Montana should ask if meals
made with ground beef contain the recalled product."
The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause
bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the elderly, and persons
with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne
illness.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption
of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a
physician.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact John
Munsell, company president, at (406) 232-0689.
Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat
and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food
safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
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