WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2001—J.H. Dodman Co.
Inc., a Buffalo, N.Y., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 265
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 being recalled was produced on Oct. 4 and distributed
to restaurants and institutions in Erie and Niagara counties in New York.
The product was packed to order in cases of varying weights, containing
unlabeled 5 and 10 lb. bags. The cases are marked "GROUND BEEF"
and labeled with the date code "277." Additionally, each case
label bears "EST. 4586" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from
consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E.
coli O157:H7, we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said
Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. "Diners may wish to ask if meals
made with ground beef contain the recalled product."
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 Kirk
Dodman, company president, at (716) 854-3286.
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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