Illinois company recalls more than 30 tons of beef for E. coli

Aurora Packing Company Inc. is recalling more than 62,000 pounds of raw beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the USDA. This recall comes after a March 27 recall, in which the company pulled back more than 2 tons of beef, also because of an E. coli risk.

For the second time in three months, this problem was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by FSIS. According to the new recall notice, the meat company shipped the implicated beef products nationwide for further distribution and processing.

“There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.”

The recalled raw beef products were produced and packaged on April 19. They have the establishment number “EST. 788” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The recall notice included a spreadsheet containing a product information list of the raw beef products subject to recall, as well as a PDF with recalled raw beef product Labels.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157: H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in institutional facility freezers. Institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to use them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume meat that has been cooked to a temperature of 165°F. The only way to confirm that beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures the internal temperature.

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