Beef Recalled in NY and NJ Over E. Coli Concerns

BY TOM DAVIS

A company that ships to retailers in New York and New Jersey is recalling more than 3,586 pounds of beef because of concerns over possible E. coli contamination, according to federal officials.

G & M Co., based in Newark, N.J., is recalling beef products that were produced on June 8, 9, and 10, 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The recalled products are plastic-wrapped beef cuts and trimmings marked only with plant identifier “M5476,” federal inspectors said.

"It's not ground beef," said Ben Bell, a spokesman for the FSIS, saying a typical example of the product would be a beef top-round roast, beef flank and beef short-loins.

These items were shipped to retail locations in New Jersey and New York, according to federal officials. A list of specific retailers and sellers has not yet been released.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some of the recalled products may be frozen and in consumers' freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The issue was identified on Tuesday when FSIS Inspection Program Personnel confirmed a positive for Escherichia coli from sampling and testing. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or illness related to the recalled beef.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, according to federal officials.

This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under five and older adults.

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