020732 USDA Announces Hamburger Recall

Washington - Carneco Foods LLC of Columbus, Neb., is voluntarily recalling about 131,000 pounds of frozen ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, the second hamburger recall in the past month.

The Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service made the announcement Monday. The labels on all the products being recalled bear the establishment code "EST.245P" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The beef was produced on Feb. 22 and distributed to stores nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the company's supplier said it had shipped adulterated ground beef, the inspection service said.

Linda Swacina, acting Food Safety and Inspection Service administrator, urged consumers to return the suspect hamburger because of the potential danger of foodborne illness from eating meat contaminated with E. coli.

She said no one has reported to the government any illnesses resulting from the recalled meat.

The inspection service has begun an investigation.

E. coli can cause serious illness and sometimes death. Symptoms include chills and bloody diarrhea.

The USDA referred questions about the recall to the Carneco Foods Customer Hotline at (866) 824-6243. People with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555.

The ground beef products being recalled are:

_6-pound bags of "Northern Plains Beef Sirloin and Beef Patties 85/15." Each bag bears a code of "0205321P."

_6-pound bags of "Northern Plains Ground Beef Patties 80/20." Each bag bears a code of "02053A1P" or "0205321P."

_10-pound boxes of "Northern Plains Gourmet Beef Patties." Each box bears a production code between "20020531317" and "20020530500."

_7-pound boxes of "Seasoned Beef Patties (Misformed)." Each box bears a production code between "20020531317" and 200205305000."

Two smaller voluntary hamburger recalls due to possible E. coli contamination were also announced Monday.

Keener's Inc., doing business as K & N Meats, of Renton, Wash., is recalling about 7,500 pounds of fresh, frozen and cooked ground beef sold to food service establishments and restaurants in Pierce and King Counties. People with questions should call (425) 226- 7300.

In Boca Raton, Fla., Publix Supermarket Inc.'s store at 4141 N. Federal Highway is recalling 110 pounds of fresh ground beef. People with questions should call (305) 652- 2411, ext. 3810.

On June 30, ConAgra Beef Co. of Greeley, Colo., voluntarily recalled about 354,200 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products that may have been contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

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