WASHINGTON, July 24, 2000--C & J Tender Meats, an Anchorage, Alaska,
firm is voluntarily recalling approximately 800 pounds of ground beef that may be
contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food
Safety and Inspection Service announced today. The products being recalled are 1 to 2
pound packages of ground beef. Each package has a packed on date of "Jul 18,
00," and bears "EST. 20899" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The ground beef was produced and packaged on July 18 and distributed for retail sale in
Alaska.
"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from consumption of meat
products contaminated with pathogens such as the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria, I urge
consumers who have purchased the suspect product not to eat it and return it to the place
of purchase,"said Thomas Billy, FSIS administrator. "USDA is informing the
public so consumers who may have purchased and stored the product in their refrigerators
or freezers can know to check."
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly pathogen 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.
Media and consumers with questions about the recall may contact Steve or Charlie Jones,
C & J Tender Meats, at (907) 562-2838.
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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