WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2002—Skylark Meats, Inc., an Omaha, Neb., establishment
is voluntarily recalling approximately 110,000 pounds of frozen 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 ground beef was produced on September 10 and
distributed to retail stores and institutions nationwide.
"Consumers need to be aware of this recall," said
Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "I strongly encourage purchasers of
ground beef to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled
product. If consumers are in possession of the recalled product, then they
should return it to the point of purchase."
The problem was discovered through microbial
testing conducted by a state department of agriculture.
The ground beef products being recalled are:
- 3-pound tubes of "SKYLARK 100% Pure GROUND BEEF." The tubes were
distributed individually or packed in 30 lb. boxes. Individual tubes are
marked with a label that bears "EST. 4215" inside the USDA seal of
inspection and "PRODUCTION CODE 9-10-2003." The 30 lb. boxes are marked
"GROUND BEEF CHUBS" with "EST. 4215" inside the USDA seal of inspection
and codes "2253" or production code "9-10-2003."
- 1-pound tubes of "FROZEN GROUND BEEF." The tubes were distributed
individually or packed in 40 lb. boxes. Individual tubes are marked with a
label that bears "EST.4215" inside the USDA seal of inspection and "BEST
USED BY 03/10/03 LOT 2253A." The boxes of "GROUND BEEF" have "CONTRACT NO.
12022 7305" and the USDA shield contains "USDA FOOD."
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly
bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young,
seniors 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 Dominic V. Driano, vice president and general counsel, at
507-238-4201.
Consumers with other food safety questions can
phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The
hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety
messages are available 24 hours a day.
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