USDA New Release: Pride of Florida Beef Recall over E. Coli Contamination
Pride of Florida recalls over 64,000 pounds of raw beef products due to E. coli contamination
On October 18, 2019, The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Safety Inspection Services (USDA FSIS) reported a Class I recall on over 64,797 pounds of raw beef processed by Pride Florida, a Raiford, Fla. establishment. The recall is in response to positive test results for E. coli O157:H7 discovered by a third party laboratory.
Unfortunately, these products had already been put on the market when the contamination was discovered. There have been no reported illnesses linked to these products yet. However, the USDA is concerned that these items may be being stored in retail and personal home freezers for quite some time. If consumers are in possession of any beef products processed by Pride Florida within these dates, health officials recommend these customers discard or return them to their place of purchase.
The various beef products of concern were produced between Sept. 23, 2019 to Oct. 10, 2019. The possibly contaminated items have been compiled in a list by the USDA which can be found here. A PDF form of their labels can be viewed here. All recalled products possess the establishment number “EST. 18506” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
E coli is a potentially harmful bacteria which can cause serious intestinal infection causing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. While E. coli infection can usually be overcome within a week, it poses a particular threat to anyone with a compromised immune system such as the pregnant, elderly, young, or sick. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms after consuming one of the recalled products, immediately notify your healthcare provider immediately.
For further updates on this recall and others, visit the USDA’s Recalls and Public Health Alerts website.
