Check your refrigerators and freezers for all meat as the United States Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday that 22,737 pounds of ground beef products are being recalled on fears that they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
The recall is Class I, meaning it's likely that using the meat will result in serious adverse health consequences, or even death. So far, no illnesses have been reported, the Food Safety and Inspection Service said.
The recalled cases of beef come from National Beef Packing Company, based in Liberal, Kansas. The service warns consumer to double check with their local grocer to find out if any of the beef under recall was sold in your area.
The recalled items are 10-pound packages of "National Beef" with the following labels:
The beef recall items included the following:
-10-pound packages of "National Beef" 80/20 Coarse Ground Chuck, package code "0481″
-10-pound packages of "National Beef" 81/19 Coarse Ground Beef, package code "0421″
-10-pound packages of "National Beef" 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck, package code "0484″
According to the FSIS, E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
Consumers are advised to only consume ground beef that has been cooked all the way through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Consumers with questions can contact the company at 877-857-4143. Additional information can also be found at nationalbeef.com.
