WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2002 — Bunge’s Meats, a
Catawissa, Pa., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 100
pounds of fresh ground beef products 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 one- to
10-pound plastic bags of "GROUND CHUCK 80% LEAN." Each bag label also bears
"NOV 12" and "BUNGES MEAT STORE CATAWISSA, PA. 356-2696."
The products were produced on Nov. 12 and
distributed to customers out of the company’s own retail store located at
555 Riverhill Drive, Columbia County, Pa.
"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 they should
return it to the point of purchase."
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.
The problem was discovered through routine
microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses. Anyone
concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
Media and consumers with questions about the
recall may contact Robert E. Bunge, company owner, at (570) 356-2696.
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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