Nearly 41,000 pounds, which is more than 20 tons, of Tyson ground beef has been recalled due to a risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
The Tyson ground beef recall was announced by the U.S.D.A.’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on December 16, after E. coli was detected in a routine sample. However, there have been no reports of E. coli food poisoning associated with the recalled ground beef.
The recall affects Tyson ground beef shipped in 10-pound chubs labeled “CHUCK FINE GROUND BEEF 80/20,” and shipped in cases containing eight chubs. All have a “BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY” date of 11/13/11 along with “EST. 245C” on the box label.
The recalled ground beef was shipped to institutions and distributors in 16 states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
This is the second major ground beef recall for Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. this year. In September, the Nebraska-based company recalled 130,000 pounds due to E. coli as well. That recall was associated with at least four children falling ill from food poisoning, two of whom were hospitalized.
E. coli O157:H7 is one of the more common causes of food poisoning in the United States. When left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and potentially life-threatening illness. While most healthy adults recover from food poisoning caused by E. coli within a few weeks, young children and the elderly could be at risk for more severe illness. If the toxin enters the blood stream, E. coli could also lead to kidney failure known as Hemolytic-Urenia Syndrome (HUS).
The meat affected by the latest recall was produced at the company’s Dakota City, Nebraska plant and was produced on October 24, 2011. The company estimates that most of the meat has likely already been consumed. Consumers with questions can contact Tyson Consumer Relations at (866) 328-3156.