031001 NM Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Beef Jerky Recall

Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (University of Minnesota) -- A New Mexico firm has recalled 22,000 pounds of beef jerky in the wake of an outbreak of Salmonella infections that have been linked with the firm's products, according to New Mexico and federal officials.

The New Mexico Department of Health urged people not to eat beef jerky made by Old Santa Fe Trail Food Products and Route 66 Food Products of Albuquerque because of possible contamination. The department has confirmed Salmonella infections in 22 people, 20 of whom reported eating beef jerky, according to a state news release. The company's Albuquerque plant was closed after investigators found unsanitary conditions there, state officials said.

The products being recalled are labeled "Old Santa Fe Trail Beef Jerky" or "General Store, Route 66 Beef Jerky," according to the state news release. The products bear the establishment number "EST. 13343" inside the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) seal of inspection and were produced between May 1 and Sep 26, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products were distributed nationwide to retail stores and by mail order, the FSIS said. The New Mexico Environment Department was inspecting stores and calling owners to ensure that the products are removed from shelves.

Consumers with questions about the recall may call the company's assistant manager, Angela Postlethwait, at 505-255-7950, the FSIS statement said. Consumers with food safety questions may call the USDA's toll-free meat and poultry hotline at 888-MPHotline between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

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