Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation has recalled about 8500 pounds of ground beef that may be infected with E. Coli. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the strain of E. Coli in question is known as E. coli. O26. It is a rare strain of shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli.
The recalled meat products has the established number “EST 9400” and were manufactured on June 11, 2010.
The problem was first realized on August 5, 2010 when the Maine Department of Agriculture notified FSIS, Food Safety and Inspection Service, of an E. coli O26 cluster of illnesses. Since then two people have been identified in Maine and one in New York with a distinct rare indistinguishable PFGE pattern. There is no indication on whether any cases have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS.
Cargill is currently among the largest companies in U.S. when in comes to meat production and sales. It has annual revenue of $108 billion and net income of $2.6 billion. The recall now is still relatively small and has yet to have a major impact on the company’s profits. The USDA assured that they were doing all that they could to ensure the strain is contained.
It advised by the FSIS to cook any meats to a temperature of at least 160 degrees to confirm any harmful bacteria are killed before consumption. Consumers are urged that if they have questions about the recall to contact the company’s Consumer Line at (877) 788-4953.