Beef products recalled due to possible E. Coli O157:H7 contamination

Pride of Florida, a Raiford, Florida establishment, is recalling approximately 64,797 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced.

The problem was discovered when the firm was notified by their third-party laboratory that a sample was positive for E. coli O157:H7, but the products associated with the sample had already been shipped into commerce.

E coli illness

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can develop. This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under five years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising and decreased urine output.

Persons who experience these symptoms have been advised to seek emergency medical care immediately, but there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

FSIS has further advised that all consumers safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

Recall info

The raw ground beef items were produced on various dates from 23 September 2019 to 10 October 2019.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in commercial distributors’ freezers. Distributors who have obtained these products are urged not to distribute them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of origin.

Consumers and distributors can contact Pride of Florida, or refer to the USDA website for more information about product codes, dates and recall advice.