Dutch’s Meat, Inc., NJ, Recalls 13,275 Pounds Of Ground Beef Due To Possible E. COLI O157:H7 Contamination.

CLASS I RECALL, HEALTH RISK: HIGH
Congressional and Public Affairs
Laura Reiser (202) 720-9113
FSIS-RC-018-2008

NEW JERSEY FIRM RECALLS GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS DUE TO POSSIBLE E. COLI O157:H7 CONTAMINATION

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2008 – Dutch’s Meat, Inc., a Trenton, N.J., firm, is recalling approximately 13,275 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:
• 10-pound plastic bags of “DUTCH’S MEATS, INC., GROUND BEEF.”
• 10-pound vacuum-packed plastic bags of “DUTCH’S MEATS, INC., GROUND BEEF.”
• 10-pound boxes of “DUTCH’S MEATS, INC., HAMBURGER PATTIES.”

The ground beef products bear the establishment number “EST. 5424” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The recalled products were packaged from May 27, 2008 through June 6, 2008. This packaging date is stamped on the bag label or box.

These ground beef products were distributed to restaurants and food service institutions in the Trenton, N.J., area. These ground beef products were not available to consumers for direct purchase in retail locations.

The problem was discovered by FSIS routine microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Media and consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Vice President Al Granaldi at (609) 882-6650.

USDA RECALL CLASSIFICATIONS
Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the useof the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.

Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.

Tags: USDA Recall, FSIS Recall, Beef Recall, Dutch’s Meat Recall, Ground Beef Recall, E.Coli