WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2002—Galligan
Wholesale Meat, Co., doing business as Federal Foods Corp., a Denver,
Colo., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 980 pounds
of frozen beef pepper 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 ground beef products subject to recall are 20 lb.
boxes of, "BEEF PEPPER PATTIES." Each label bears the establishment
code, "EST. 6475" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The ground beef was produced on June 14 and distributed to correctional
institutions in the Denver metropolitan area.
"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne illness from
consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria such
as E. coli O157:H7, correctional institutions in the Denver
area should check to see if they have the recalled product and return
it to the company," said William J. Hudnall, acting FSIS administrator.
The problem was discovered as a result of a USDA investigation.
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can
cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors 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 Richard
Galligan, company president, at (303) 935-6473.
Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is available
in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern
Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available
24 hours a day.
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