WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2002— SIEMER DISTRIBUTING, CO., INC., a New Lexington,
Ohio, establishment, 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 product subject to recall is one 40-pound box
containing four 10-pound bags of ground beef. The box is labeled "SIEMER
DISTRIBUTING, CO., INC., GROUND BEEF" with package code "093002" and
establishment code, "EST. 19409" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The ground beef was produced on Sept. 30 and
distributed to a restaurant in Caldwell, Ohio.
"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne
illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria
such as E. coli O157:H7, diners may want to ask if their meals
contain the recalled product" said Dr. Garry L. McKee, 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,
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 David Siemer, plant supervisor at (740) 342-3230.
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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