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| |    Consumer Alert from USDA Consumer Alert: Colorado Firm Recalls Beef Trim and Ground Beef Products for Possible E. coli WASHINGTON, July 19, 2002 -- ConAgra Beef Company, a Greeley, Colo., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 19 million pounds of beef trim and fresh and frozen ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The recall is an expansion of the June 30 voluntary recall of 354,200 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products. Today's voluntary action was taken following a scientific and technical review of plant practices and company records by FSIS. The investigation indicated that product destined to become ground beef that was produced at the Greeley plant had a heightened possibility of containing E. coli O157:H7. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has documented multiple cases of illness connected to ConAgra beef that was the subject of the June 30 recall. "Our highest priority is protecting the public's health and safety," said William Hudnall, acting administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service. "Today's precautionary action is an additional measure to ensure this priority is carried out. "Because of the potential of foodborne illness from consumption of meat products contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, consumers who have purchased the suspect product are encouraged not to consume it and return it to the place of purchase," Hudnall said. He added that consumers can be confident that proper cooking kills harmful bacteria. Whether or not consumers find recalled product in their homes, following safe handling tips and cooking ground beef products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. will ensure that any harmful bacteria present will be eliminated. 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. Anyone who suspects they may have an illness should contact a physician. The labels on all products subject to the recall bear the establishment code "EST. 969" inside the USDA seal of inspection. Consumers seeking general information about this recall can also call (866-849-7438), a special tollfree number established by FSIS. Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. 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. Congressional and Public Affairs (202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460 Steven Cohen | |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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