WASHINGTON – Adams Farm Slaughterhouse, LLC., an Athol, Mass., establishment,
is recalling approximately 2,574 pounds of beef products that may be
contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food
Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
This recall was initiated after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
confirmed a positive ground beef sample for E. coli O157:H7, which it collected
during an epidemiological investigation. Working in conjunction with the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), FSIS determined that there is
an association between the ground beef products and an illness in the state of
Massachusetts. FSIS is continuing to work with the MDPH on the investigation.
Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a physician.
The following products are subject to recall:
- 1,025-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Mazzarese.
- 697-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Side Hill Farm.
- 852-pounds of “Beef Cuts and Ground” packed for Sweet Water Farm.
Each package bears a label with the establishment number “EST. 5497” inside the
USDA mark of inspection as well as the packaging date of “11/11/2009.” The beef
products were distributed to private owners on three separate farms in the state
of Massachusetts.
E. coli O157: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.
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.
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.
Media and consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to the
company’s Business Manager, Edward Maltby, at (413) 427-7323.
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