July 12, 2009: Ground Beef Recall in Illinois

E.S. Miller Packing Co., Montgomery, IL, has recalled ground beef and ground beef patties after the FSIS detected E. coli O157:H7  in samples of the meat.  The two cities in IL affected by this recall are Montgomery and Paw Paw.

The products that were produced between July 7 and July 10 are listed below.

• 10-pound Cryovaced bags of bulk “EDWARD S. MILLER PACKING CO., GROUND BEEF.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 34342″ inside the USDA mark of inspection and case codes of “070709,” “070809,” “070909″ or “071009.”
• 12- and 15-pound boxes “EDWARD S. MILLER PACKING CO., GROUND BEEF PATTIES.” Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 34342″ inside the USDA mark of inspection and case codes of “070709,” “070809,” “070909″ or “071009.”

The FSIS recommends that consumers take the following precautionary measures to help guard against possible food poisoning.

• Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot soapy water. Immediately clean spills.
• Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods.
• Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160° F.
• Color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7.
• The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
• Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F. Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.

E. coliO157:H7 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. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg currently represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks, and we are ready to assist you.  If you have been harmed by E. coli food poisoning and you have a question concerning your legal rights, please see Free Case Evaluation or contact us toll-free at 1-877-934-6274.

To learn about recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Salmonella Lawyer, Salmonella Lawsuit, and Salmonella Lawyers.

Add comment July 14th, 2009