Wisconsin-based American Foods Group has issued a recall for some of its ground beef products due to possible E. coli contamination.
Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria typically found inhabiting raw food products such as meats and in the intestines of humans and animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most versions of the bacteria are harmless, some can cause serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and more.
The United States Department of Agriculture announced that the company, operating as Green Bay Dressed Beef, had recalled 58,281 pounds of its ground beef products due to a concern about the product being infected with the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
Most people who consume this bacteria variant can become ill three to four days after consuming an infected product and may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Although most recover within five days to a week, 5% to 10% of people may develop a life-threatening illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
“The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by a state public health partner tested positive for the presence of E. coli O103,” said the Food Safety and Inspection Service in a news release. “There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.”
Products affected by this recall are 80-pound cases:
- 90050 Beef Fine Ground 81/19 with lot code D123226026.
- 20473 Beef Halal Fine Ground 73/27 with lot code D123226027.
- 20105 Beef Fine Ground 73/27 with lot code D123226027.
These products were produced on August 14 and shipped to distributors in Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio.
Consumers and retailers who find themselves in possession of these products are encouraged to dispose of them. Steps are also being taken to ensure the product is not further distributed.
Consumers are also advised to prepare all raw food properly and only consume ground beef if it has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees.