WASHINGTON – McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC., a North Branch, Mich., establishment is recalling approximately 360 pounds of ground beef product products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.
The products subject to recall include:
- 36 – 10 lb. Bags of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.”
Each clear plastic bag bears establish number “EST. 33971” within the USDA mark of inspection. The products subject to recall were produced on July 15, and July 21, 2011, and sold to restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Mich. The products were also sold from a retail establishment owned by McNees Meats and Wholesale, LLC.
FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses on August 4, 2011.Working in conjunction with the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), 3 case-patients in Michigan have been identified with illness onset dates between July 18 and July 28, 2011. As a result of the epidemiologic investigation, FSIS determined there is a link between the ground beef products and the illnesses in Michigan. FSIS is continuing to work with the Michigan state public health partners on the investigation. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS routinely conducts effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and ensure that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
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.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact the company’s main contact, Melanie McNees, at (810) 688-2408.
Source: USDA FSIS
