WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2002—Harris Teeter, a retail store located at 4421 Six
Forks Rd., Raleigh, N.C., is voluntarily recalling approximately 50 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 products being recalled are approximately 1-2
lb. packages of "Harris Teeter HT PREMIUM GR BF 80%LN 20%FAT" or "Harris
Teeter CAB GROUND SIRLOIN CUSTOM CUT." Each package bears the sell-by date
"SELL BY: 08/21/02."
The ground beef was produced on Aug. 20 and
distributed to customers of the Six Forks Road Harris Teeter store.
"Because of the potential hazard of foodborne
illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria
such as E. coli O157:H7, I urge consumers not to eat the suspect
product but to return it to the place of purchase," said William J. Hudnall,
acting FSIS administrator. "USDA is informing the public so consumers can
check their refrigerators or freezers."
The problem was discovered during FSIS follow-up
sampling conducted after a June 24 recall at the same store for E. coli
O157:H7.
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 with questions about the recall may
contact the customer relations hotline at (800) 432-6111. Media with
questions may contact Jessica Graham, corporate communications manager, at
(704) 844-3904.
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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