WASHINGTON, NOV. 21– H & H Meat Products Co. Inc., a Mercedes, Texas, firm, also
doing business as H & H Foods, is voluntarily recalling approximately 58,000 pounds
of ground beef patties 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 ''HAMBURGER
PATTIES 100% GROUND BEEF'' in 35 lb. boxes. Each box has a label that reads ''PACKED
ON: 11/14/00'' and ''EXP. DATE: 03/14/01.'' The box bears the establishment number
''EST. 7259A'' inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The ground beef was produced on Nov. 14 and distributed via a
wholesale establishment to restaurants in Texas.
"Because of the potential for foodborne
illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,'' said Ronald Hicks, acting FSIS
administrator. ''Purchasers or consumers of ground beef may wish to ask restaurants
if the meal contains the recalled ground beef.''
The problem was discovered through USDA testing.
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.
Consumers or media with questions about the recall may contact Jennifer Barractato,
Hill & Knowlton Public Relations, at (800) 637-7259.
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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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site
at http://www.fsis.usda.gov. A safe handling graphic is available
at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/consumerpubs.htm#GRAPHICS |