Salmonella Fears Prompt Recall of 825,000 Pounds of Ground Beef

More than 825,000 pounds of ground beef from a California-based meat packer are being recalled because of concerns the food may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

The beef was processed by Beef Packers Inc. of Fresno, Ca. between June 5 and June 23, 2009. Packages of ground beef stamped with an establishment number “EST. 31913” printed on case code labels are covered by today’s recall by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The recalled ground beef was repackaged and sold under various brand names in retail stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Utah, the USDA said. It is suspected of causing or contributing to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in Colorado, health officials said.

Salmonella: A Leading Cause of Food Poisoning

Salmonella is a form of foodborne bacteria that is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States, accounting for as many as 40,000 cases and about 600 deaths each year. Salmonella contamination is to blame for nearly one out of every three deaths associated with food poisoning, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Salmonella poisoning, also called salmonellosis, can cause life-threatening diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and other severe symptoms, particularly in young children, the frail and elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Other Salmonella Recalls

Recently, salmonella contamination has prompted recalls of fresh cilantro, frosting packets for cinnamon rolls, dried milk products, and other consumer goods. Salmonella in pistachios, sprouts, peanuts, and other foods also have prompted massive recalls and been blamed for causing illnesses and deaths.

No related posts.