Three additional cases of E Coli O45 have been identified as of 1/3/2011. These newest cases were reported in Michigan in December, 2010. Ready to eat smoked meat products were shared with family members causing illness in three more people. The State Department of Health Services assisted in identifying the new out of state cases.
We are advising people to not eat ready to eat smoked meat products from Zillman Meat Market produced between September 30, 2010 and Dec 23, 2010. If you have ready to eat smoked meat products from Zillman Meat Market please do not eat it or share it with others. Ready to eat smoked meat products produced between Sept 30, 2010 and December 23, 2010 should be thrown away, or contact Zillman Meat Market about returns. Fresh meat products properly cooked are not affected by this advisory. Guidelines for properly cooking fresh meats available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Keep_Food_Safe_Food_Safety_Basics/index.asp
More information is needed to determine the original source of the EColi O45. The original source of the E Coli O45 that contaminated the ready to eat smoked meat products has not been identified. The lack of information about the source means it is impossible to determine what ready to eat smoked meat products are likely safe and which are not, therefore we advise you not to eat them. The investigation is complete unless we obtain new information. Anyone who has eaten smoked, ready-to-eat products and was ill can assist by providing that information to the Marathon County Health Department.
Source: County of Marathon, Wisconsin Health Dept.
