WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2003 — Sun Coast Beef &
Provision Inc., a Palmetto, Fla., establishment, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 5,620 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 30 lb. boxes
of "PURE GROUND BEEF." The ground beef is packaged in 10 lb. white plastic
tubes. Each box and tube bears the company name and address as well as the
establishment number "EST. 11107" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The ground beef was produced on various days
between Nov. 24 and Dec. 9, 2003, and was distributed to restaurants in
Florida.
The problem was discovered through FSIS
microbiological testing.
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.
Media with questions about the recall may contact
Dave Cole, company general manager, at 941-722-3229.
Consumers with questions about the recall may
contact Steven J. Sharp, company operations manager, at 941-722-3229
Consumers with other food safety questions can
phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHOTLINE. 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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