WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2001—Benton Packing
Co. Inc., a Benton, Ark. firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 40
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 ground beef product being recalled is packaged in a 40-pound box,
containing four 10-pound bags, labeled "GROUND BEEF." The box
bears the establishment number "EST. 10629" inside the USDA seal
of inspection.
The ground beef was produced on Aug. 7 and distributed to a restaurant
in Benton, Ark.
"Consumers may wish to ask at restaurants where they consume
ground beef if the product or meal contains the recalled product,"
said Thomas Billy, FSIS administrator.
The problem was discovered through routine 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 Arthur
Green, company owner, at (501) 315-9700.
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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