001143 Texas Firm Recalls Beef Due to E. Coli

Washington - A Texas company recalled about 58,000 pounds of ground beef patties that may be contaminated with the deadly E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria.

The meat, processed by H&H Meat Products Co, was distributed in 35-pound boxes to restaurants in Texas, the USDA said. The beef was produced on Nov. 14.

The USDA said it had no reports of illnesses linked to the tainted ground beef.

“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,” said Ronald Hicks, acting administrator of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. “Consumers of ground beef may wish to ask restaurants if the meal contains the recalled ground beef.”

The contamination was discovered during routine USDA testing.

E. coli 0157:H7 is one of the most dangerous forms of foodborne illness, and can be fatal for young children, the elderly or others with weak immune systems.

The products recalled were labeled with an expiration date of 3/14/01 and “EST. 7259A” inside the USDA seal of inspection.

RETURN TO HOME PAGE

E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com