E. Coli Recall Issued For 62,000 Pounds Of Beef From Aurora Plant

NORTH AURORA, IL — Just days before Memorial Day weekend and the start of barbecue season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a recall for more than 62,000 pounds of raw beef packaged in North Aurora that could be contaminated with E. coli. While there have been no reported cases of illness, the USDA is urging consumers to check their labels before cooking or consuming the raw beef, which includes cuts of steaks like ribeyes, as well as ribs and brisket cuts.

The meat was packaged at the Aurora Packing Company on April 19 and shipped nationwide for distribution. The recalled products all have the establishment number "EST. 788" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The extensive full list of recalled products can be found here, and consumers can view the labels here.

The possible E. coli contamination was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by the Food Safety and Inspection Service. FSIS said it is concerned that some products may be in institutional facility freezers. Institutions that have purchased these products are urged not to use them and instead throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps two to eight days after consumption. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The condition can occur in patients of any age, but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults. Symptoms include easy bruising, a pale complexion and decreased urination. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume product that has been cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees.