Beef potentially contaminated with E. coli recalled in OR: USDA

PORTLAND, OR – A beef processing company in Utah is recalling nearly 100,000 pounds of raw and unspoiled ground beef products distributed in five states, including Oregon, Washington State and California. The United States Department of Agriculture announced the recall on Saturday.

Utah-based Swift Beef Co. estimates that 99,260 pounds of ground beef could be contaminated with E. coli O157: H7, according to USDA safety and inspection officials, who reportedly discovered possible contamination during a visit to the company based in Hyrum Nov. 15. Bulk ground beef was produced on October 24, but to date no disease related to the consumption of potentially contaminated meat has been reported.

The following products are recalled:

• 2,000 lb. Bulk Shredded Swift 81/19 Beef (81 percent lean), finely ground, product code 42982.
• Bites of 81/19 (81 percent lean) ground beef wrapped in plastic, BEEF Blue Ribbon Ground Beef, coarsely ground, product code 42410.
• 8 to 10 pound bites wrapped in 93/07 "Blue Ribbon BEEF" Ground Beef (coarse 93%), coarse ground, product code 42413.
• Bites of 8 to 10 pounds of 85/15 (85 percent lean) ground beef wrapped in BEEF Blue Ribbon Sheep, coarse ground, product code 42415.
• Bites of 8 to 10 pounds ground beef 73/27 (73 percent lean) wrapped in plastic and coarsely prepared, with product code 42510.

All products subject to the recall bear the establishment code "EST. 628" inside the USDA inspection mark.

Nevada and Utah are also affected.

According to the USDA, E. coli O157: H7 is a bacterium with potentially life-threatening risks. Exposure can lead to dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps for two to eight days. Additional symptoms include easy bruising, unhealthy pallor and a decrease in urine production, said USDA officials.

Although symptoms may be felt by all age groups, children five years old and under, as well as older adults, would be the most likely. Anyone who thinks experiencing these symptoms as a result of exposure to contaminated beef should consult an emergency physician.

Sole proprietorships where meat has apparently been delivered are listed at the address FSIS.USDA.gov/Recalls.

For more details on the recall, as well as the best way to handle and prepare raw meat and avoid common food-related illnesses, visit FSIS.USDA.gov or call 800-727-2333.

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