Kansas-based National Beef Packing Company is recalling 50,000 pounds of ground beef over an E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The recall was announced on Wednesday by the US Department of Agriculture.
The meat was produced by National Beef of Liberal, Kansas. The USDA added that no illnesses have been reported linked to the contaminated meat so far.
The beef in question was sold by the company to retailers , wholesalers, and food service distributors nationwide, reports USA Today. It was sold in 40 to 60 pound cases.
The recalled beef carries establishment number “EST. 208A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. While the company has issued the ground beef recall, it is not yet known where the meat was sold at the retail and wholesale level.
E. coli is a potentially deadly bacteria. KWCH notes that symptoms of infection include bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure in severe cases. The bacteria is considered an adulterant in raw beef.
This isn’t the first large-scale recall for National Beef either. The company recalled 22,737 pounds of raw ground beef on June 18, also for possible E. coli contamination.
The previous recall involved 10-pound packages of ground chuck and ground beef. The meat was produced by National Beef on May 25 and shipped to 12 states. While the meat’s best by date was mid-June, the company was concerned that customers had it stored in their freezers at home.
June’s recall by the Kansas company was the result of a routine Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection. While it has not yet been confirmed, it is possible this month’s recall was also the result of a routine inspection. This is likely, because there have been no reported E. coli cases as a result.
The only way to make sure harmful bacteria are killed is to fully cook all meat products. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is unclear what the 50,000-pound ground beef recall will have on National Beef.
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