WASHINGTON, June 19, 2001-- Palmer Fish
Company Inc., a Rochester, N.Y., firm, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 4,000 pounds of fresh 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 being recalled are 10 lb. cases of "GROUND BEEF
PATTIES." Each case bears the establishment number "EST.
4548" inside the USDA seal of inspection. Additionally, cases are
marked with production dates from "6/11/01" to
"6/18/01."
The ground beef was distributed to food service establishments, such as
hotels, restaurants, and country clubs, in New York and western
Massachusetts.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers
to be aware of the recall," said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator.
"Diners may wish to ask if meals made with ground beef patties
contain the recalled product."
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, 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 with questions about the recall may contact John Eldridge,
director of human resources, Palmer Fish Company Inc., at (716) 424-3210.
Media with questions may contact Kip Palmer, president, Palmer Fish
Company Inc., at (716) 424-3210.
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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