November 17, 2009: Ground Beef Recall

Fresh ground beef has been recalled due to it possibly being contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The bacteria can potentially of cause foodborne illness once ingested.  The FSIS publicized the news today after conducting routine sample analysis on the meat products.

Fairbury Steaks, Inc., which is located in Fairbury, Nebraska is recalling approximately 90 pounds of the ground beef.  The information regarding the recalled products is as follows.

• 10-pound packages of “BULK FRESH GROUND BEEF.”

The packages were placed in boxes and bear the establishment number “EST. 5726″ inside the USDA mark of inspection on a label. The products were produced on November 16, 2009, and were distributed to a restaurant in Ruskin, Neb.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

If you are experiencing E. coli food poisoning symptoms or have a health related question, contact your healthcare professional.  He or she can order a stool culture which can confirm E. coli infection.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide.  Some of these outbreaks include Peanut Butter Corporation of America Lawsuit, Banquet Pot Pie Lawsuit, Veggie Booty Lawsuit, Arby’s Lawsuit, and Peter Pan Lawsuit outbreaks.

1 comment November 19th, 2009

November 2, 2009: Update to Fairbank Farms Recall

The Ashville, New York company has posted the information found below on their website.

“Fairbank Farms issued a voluntary recall for approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef on October 31. The product, which was produced between Sept. 14 through Sept. 16, 2009, is possibly linked to E.coli O157:H7.

While the recall was for distribution centers in eight states, Fairbank Farms has learned that some of its customers may have redistributed potentially affected ground beef into other states.

Fairbank Farms says that any customers from northeastern or mid-Atlantic states, who have identified recalled ground beef products (refer to the specifically labeled list below), should remove the product from their freezers and return it to their stores for full reimbursement. Retail outlets include:  ACME, BJ’s, Ford Brothers, Giant Food Stores, Price Chopper, Shaw’s, and Trader Joe’s.

Other local grocers, not included on the list, may also be recalling ground beef products. For additional assurance, Fairbank Farms recommends that consumers check with their retailers at store level.

The recalled products are past their expiration date by 23 to 32 days. This means they are no longer being sold as fresh product in supermarkets.”

Images of the labels producted by the company can be seen here: Labels 1 and Labels 2.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide, including Peanut Butter Corporation of America, Banquet Pot Pie, Veggie Booty, Arby’s, and Peter Pan outbreaks. We are ready to help you.  If you have been injured as a result of food poisoning and you have a question concerning you legal rights, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274, or click Free Legal Case Evaluation. 

For recent drug and food safety news, please see Iberia Food Poisoning, E. coli Recall Lawsuit,  Reglan Lawyers, Zicam Lawyers, Hydroxycut Lawyers, and Levaquin Lawyers.

1 comment November 12th, 2009

October 31, 2009: Fairbanks Farms Beef Products Linked To E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Approximately 545,699 pounds of ground beef products have the potential for being contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  Fairbanks Farms, located in Ashville, NY, has recalled the products after illnesses were reported to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The information below was posted by the FSIS on their Recalls webpage regarding the recall.

Trader Joes

• 1-pound packages of “TRADER JOE’S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF 85/15.”
• 1-pound packages of “TRADER JOE’S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF 80/20.” NOTE: The sell-by dates for the above two products may be October 6 or 7, 2009.
• 1-pound trays of “TRADER JOE’S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF PATTIES 96/4 EXTRA LEAN.”
• 1-pound trays of “TRADER JOE’S BUTCHER SHOP FINE QUALITY MEATS GROUND BEEF PATTIES 85/15.”

Price Chopper

• 1 and 2.5-pound trays of “PRICE CHOPPER MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX.”
• 1-pound trays of “PRICE CHOPPER EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF 96/4.”
• 1-pound trays of “PRICE CHOPPER FRESH GROUND BEEF CHUCK FOR CHILI 80% LEAN 20% FAT.”

Lancaster and Wild Harvest

• 1-pound trays of “LANCASTER BRAND 96/4 EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF.”
• 1- and 2-pound trays of “LANCASTER BRAND 90/10 GROUND BEEF.”
• 1-pound trays of “WILD HARVEST NATURAL 85/15 ANGUS GROUND BEEF.”

Shaw’s

• 1- and 2-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND BEEF 93/7.”
• 1-, 2- and 3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND BEEF 80/20.”
• 1- and 3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND BEEF 75/25.”
• 1.3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND SIRLOIN BEEF PATTIES 90/10.
• 1.3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND ROUND BEEF PATTIES 85/15.”
• 1.3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND BEEF PATTIES 80/20.”
• 3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND BEEF PATTIES FAMILY PACK 80/20.”
• 1-pound trays of “SHAW’S ANGUS GROUND BEEF 85/15.”
• 1-, 2- and 3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND ROUND BEEF 85/15.”
• 1-pound trays of “SHAW’S 90% NATURAL GROUND BEEF.”
• 1-pound trays of “SHAW’S 85% NATURAL GROUND BEEF.”
• 1-, 2- and 3-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND SIRLOIN 90/10.”
• 1-pound trays of “MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX.”

BJ’s

• 5-pound trays of “FRESH GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 15 % FAT” patties.
• 3- and 5-pound trays of “LEAN GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 7% FAT.”
• 2.5-pound trays of “MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX.”

Ford Brothers

• 3-pound trays of “FRESH GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 20% FAT” patties.

Giant               SEE EXPANDED LIST HERE

• 1-pound trays of “GIANT EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF 96/4.”
• 1-pound trays of “GIANT MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX.”
• 1-pound trays of “GIANT NATURE’S PROMISE GROUND BEEF.”
• 1-pound trays of “GIANT NATURE’S PROMISE GROUND BEEF PATTIES.”

The products subject to recall include: [View Labels, PDF Only]

Each package bears the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the nutrition label. These products were packaged on September 15 and 16, 2009, and may have been labeled at the retail stores with a sell-by date from September 19 through 28, 2009, unless otherwise noted above. Consumers should ask at their point of purchase if the products they have are subject to recall. The products were sent to distribution centers, intended for further distribution to retail establishments in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

Products for further processing:

• Cases of 10-pound “FAIRBANK FARMS FRESH GROUND BEEF CHUBS.”

Each case bears the establishment number “EST. 492″ inside the USDA mark of inspection; has package dates of “09.14.09,” “09.15.09,” or “09.16.09;” and sell-by dates of “10.3.09,” “10.4.09,” or “10.5.09. These products were distributed to retail establishments in Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia for further processing. However, these products at retail will likely not bear the package dates and sell-by dates listed above. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase.

Consumers are reminded that E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning can be fatal.  Symptoms of infection may include severe abdominal cramps, fever, and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. Severe infections can cause kidney failure. The very young, elderly, and immunocompromised are at greatest risk for experiencing complications due to E. coli infection.

If you are experiencing E. coli food poisoning symptoms or have a health related question, contact your healthcare professional.  He or she can order a stool culture which can confirm E. coli infection.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide.  Some of these outbreaks include Peanut Butter Corporation of America, Banquet Pot Pie, Veggie Booty, Arby’s, and Peter Pan outbreaks.

If you have been injured as a result of Salmonella we are ready to help you.  If you are diagnosed with E. coli, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, please submit a Free Legal Case Evaluation or call the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg toll free at 1-877-934-6274.

1 comment November 1st, 2009