Cargill Meat Solutions E. coli Voluntarily Food Recall

Approximately 845,000 pounds of frozen ground beef patties produced at its Butler, Wisconsin, location may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

October 7, 2007 

COUNTY NC NEWS -- Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation is voluntarily recalling approximately 845,000 pounds of frozen ground beef patties produced at its Butler, Wisconsin, location because it may be contaminated with E coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to this foodborne illness.

Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation is a leading processor and distributor of fresh beef, pork and turkey, plus cooked and marinated meats. The Company represents more than a dozen major brands that are sold in both the retail and food service markets worldwide.

The problem was discovered when an investigation into three illnesses by the Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture lead to the Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. Even though the investigation is ongoing, Cargill is voluntarily recalling the products based on a preliminary analysis of epidemiological data. Citizens concerned that they may have contracted the illness should contact a physician.

The frozen ground beef patties were produced on various dates from August 9 through August 17, 2007, and were distributed to retail establishments, restaurants and institutions nationwide. Each label bears the establishment number "Est. 924A" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Meanwhile, the Topps Meat Company, LLC, an Elizabeth, New Jersey, establishment, has again expanded their voluntarily September 2, 2007 food recall of over a 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef products because of potential E coli O157:H7 contamination. Read Article: E. coli Nationwide Food Recall

Readers should note, this is a voluntary food recall, and is classified as a USDA CLASS I RECALL, which is considered a high health risk, and a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.North Carolina consumers, retails and distributors with questions about the potentially E coli contaminated food recall should contact Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation toll-free at (866) 567-7899.