Beef Recalled In CT Due To E. Coli: What We Know

CONNECTICUT — Beef shipped to hotels and restaurants across northeastern and midwestern states, including Connecticut, has been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, according to federal authorities.

Kansas-based Elkhorn Valley Packing is recalling 3,436 pounds of boneless beef chuck that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli — or STEC — O103, officials announced.

The problem was discovered when the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service was conducting routine testing of ground beef derived from the affected product. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

The recalled items, labeled Elkhorn Valley Pride Angus Beef 61226 BEEF CHUCK 2PC BNLS, were packed on Feb. 16 and bear the establishment number “EST. M-19549” inside the USDA mark of inspection. A complete list of serial and box count numbers can be found online here.

The beef was shipped to distributors, federal establishments, retailers and wholesalers, including hotels, restaurants and institutions in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Many clinical laboratories do not test for non-O157 STEC, such as O103, because it is harder to identify. Infected people can become ill two to eight days after consuming the organism.

Most develop diarrhea, which is often bloody, and vomiting. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the typical treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week. Only rarely will some develop a more severe infection.

See also: Beloved Business Owners Hope To Sell Store After 50 Years Or It Could Close

• Popular Donut Shop Closes, Only One Left In Connecticut
• Storied Club Sold; Music Venue To Close

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, is unusual with STEC O103, but it can occur, most commonly in children under 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

Distributors and other customers who have purchased the beef for further processing should not use or distribute them. The products should be thrown away or returned.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. People can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed online 24 hours a day here.