WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2002—Bunge’s Meats, a
Catawissa, Pa., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 305
pounds of fresh ground beef products 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 20 to 60-lb.
boxes of "Bunge’s Meats, Ground Beef, CATAWISSA PA." Each box bears the
establishment code "EST. 21603" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The date
code "02280" also appears on each box. The ground beef is wrapped in plastic
bags each weighing between 5 and 10 pounds.
The products were produced on October 7 and
distributed out of the company’s own retail store located at 555 Riverhill
Drive, and to restaurants in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
"Consumers need to be aware of this recall," said
Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "I strongly encourage purchasers of
ground beef to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled
product. If consumers are in possession of the recalled product they should
return it to the point of purchase."
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.
The problem was discovered through routine
microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses. Anyone
concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
Media and consumers with questions about the
recall may contact Robert E. Bunge, company owner, at (570) 356-2696.
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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