E. coli Recall of Boneless Beef Products Imported on November 10, 2020
On the 16th of April, 2021, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a recall of nearly 5000 lbs. of JBS USA Food Company’s boneless, raw and frozen beef products due to a possible contamination of E. coli O157:H7.
According to one National Food Poisoning Lawyer, Ron Simon:
“An E. coli O157:H7 infection is often accompanied by significant amounts of blood in the victim’s stool. Most victims suffer severe abdominal pain, cramping, and E. coli infections can lead to a significant risk of dehydration and, in some, the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). An E. coli infection is usually diagnosed by a positive culture from a stool sample of the infected person. Those who have become ill should seek medical attention and request a stool culture. If you test positive, the County Health Agency will call to interview you.”
Individuals with compromised immune systems, children under the age of 5 years and the elderly are susceptible to hemolytic uremic syndrome after exposure to E. coli tainted products. Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, is accompanied with symptoms such as decreased urination, easy bruising, and pallor. If an individual experiences any of the afore-mentioned symptoms, an emergency care provider should be contacted immediately.
The affected product was sold in 60 lb. cardboard containers bearing the title “95CL Boneless Beef Product of Australia”. The meat products were shipped to further processors and distributors across Pennsylvania and New York.
The FSIS urges “all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume whole cuts of beef that have been cooked to a temperature of 145 °F with a 3-minute rest time and ground beef to 160 °F. The only way to confirm that beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature”. Individuals who have bought and/or are in possession of the afore-mentioned beef products are urged to discard of the meat or return it to the location of purchase for a complete refund.
Consumers with questions, comments or concerns concerning the recall may contact the head of JBS USA Food Company Imports, Kim Holzner at [email protected].
