State Recalling 4,838 Pounds Of Beef Over E. Coli Concerns

MILWAUKEE, WI -- State officials are announcing the recall of approximately 4,838 pounds of beef heel and chuck tender products that may be contaminated with the bacteria E. coli, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The items were shipped for institutional use in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. State officials say they are concerned that some product may be in institutional facility freezers. Institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to use them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The bulk beef products were produced and packed on Feb. 27, 2019. The following products are subject to recall:

• Varying catch weight cardboard box case packages containing bulk pieces of “AURORA ANGUS BEEF BONELESS BEEF – CHUCK TENDER” and case code 61150 represented on the label.
• Varying catch weight cardboard box case packages containing bulk pieces of “BONELESS BEEF – HEEL MEAT” and case code 29970 represented on the label.
• Varying catch weight cardboard box case packages containing bulk pieces of “BONELESS BEEF – HEEL MEAT” and case code 49970 represented on the label.

Below is a photo showing the labels of recalled products:

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 788” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

About E coli

State officials say that E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Officials say this condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.